I've tried to figure out what's causing my belt to squeal, but I haven't been able to solve it. I bought a new Gatorback belt, the kind thats supposed to reduce squeal, got a new tensioner assembly, and have tried the "no-squeal" spray stuff, but that just wears off quickly. What can be causing this that I haven't thought of?

Something of note: I can put pressure on the tensioner (both the old and new ones) with a breakover and the squeal goes away, but I know there's nothing wrong with the tensioner, in fact I dont think I should have bought this one because I thought it would solve it, but its still the same. What should I do? Thanks.

 

If it does this with a new belt and a new tensioner it sounds like something may be misaligned. I had one on my 94 that did this and turned out my alternator was just slightly cocked to the side.

 

Are your pullies (sp) in good shape???? I have a '95 Nissan 4X4 and had the same problem. Bought new belts (tried all of them and factory was the best) and it still squeaked. Looked at the altenator pully and it was cracked on the inside (looked like the paint was peeling). Changed it and VOILA!!! no more squeak.

Or you can always go old school........Can of coca cola...I know..Ghetto as hell, but sis-in-law wanted quick fix and the damn thing has not squeaked since (2 years). Type of person who does not believe in PM'ing...Preventive Maintanence (sp)

Later

 

Actually, my pullies have seemed mis-aligned, but what can I do about it? Dont they bolt up tightly?

 

Yes, they are mounted squarely to the shafts. The most probable situation is that one of the accessories is mounted incorrectly, or out of proper alignment. Did you misplace a spacer or washer behind the alternator mount or PS pump bracket, perhaps?

 

Man I've never had them off, I've only had the car for 10 months and those things have been fine, it just developed the noise recently. I'll definitely take a look at it.

Something I thought I might mention: You know how the belts are ribbed and like 6 ribs? Well my last belt, which was the same gatorback one, wore its outer rib off somehow, so it was only 5 ribs thick. It was like this for a while in consequently formed a ring of rust on every pulley where that rib should have been but wasnt. When I put on the new belt with all ribs, I thought it might be the cause of the squeal was the rust, but I had a mechanic told me that if anything, the rust should promote more of a grip, which would work against squeal. I'll definitely try to get my pullies lined up, but what do you think of the rust? Thanks.

 

Any rust in one or more of the grovves should polish out quickly. It would not probably cause a squeal (usually from slippage or misalignment), but may accelerate belt wear on that particular rib. Chances are that it will clean up before you get any serious belt wear.

You can check the alignment of the sheaves with a long straightedge.