The other day it was raining cats and dogs. My drive belt started squealing like crazy, which didn't surprise me. Well, it's been dry for over 24 hours, and it still squeals. I stopped and got some belt dressing, and sprayed it good, both sides, and it immediately quieted. I don't see any major signs of wear or anything. By the time I got home (about 20 miles later) it was squealing again. It doesn't squeal as long as I'm accelerating. When I'm at cruising speed or idling, it can get loud. What could it be? Bearing going out? Something freezing up?

 

You can check the belt tension, put some oilon the ballbearings, and/or change the belt with an anti-squeling belt that is great! From when I changed mine with that belt there is no more squeling.

 

The tensioners are known to get weak and cause this as well as funny vibrations as the belt flails as varying RPM. change the tenshioner and install a new high quality belt and all will be fine. (use to have a '97, now have a 2003 grand caravan)

BOb

 

So the tensioner could be the cause of both the belt squeal and the annoying shimmy between 55-60 mph? Hm, that would explain a lot. That would solve two problems. Thanks guys!

 

I would recommend you replace the belt first, then the tensioner if it still squeals. The belt is very easy to replace, the tensioner much more difficult ('93 Caravan). I had the same problem and replaced the tensioner, and the squeal was still there. Changed the belt, squeal gone.

 

The tensioner nomally don't go bad on the 3.0L. I would replace the fan belt for the squeak.As far has your shimmy you could have loose motor mount or plys coming apart on your tires.