Noise From Serpentine Belt
#1
Noise From Serpentine Belt
I have a 96 Caravan, and have been battling what I have assumed is an issue with the serpentine belt. I have begun to doubt this diagnosis recently, however. Here's what I know:
1) It sounds like a constant squeal, but increases when I accelerate.
2) When I remove the belt, the sound is gone. After I put the belt back on, it is quiet for about a day, then the squeal returns.
Could the problem be with the tensioner or with the alternator? Suggestions?
1) It sounds like a constant squeal, but increases when I accelerate.
2) When I remove the belt, the sound is gone. After I put the belt back on, it is quiet for about a day, then the squeal returns.
Could the problem be with the tensioner or with the alternator? Suggestions?
#2
#3
RE: Noise From Serpentine Belt
If it's chirping then its because a pulley is out of alignment with the others. Usually this is because the tensioner is going bad. It starts to bend and throws off the alignment. Also, with some Ford trucks they've had better luck with replacing the belt with the OEM belt or a Goodyear Gatorback. They claim the Gates belts have problems with squealing.
I use tri-flow oil on mine but I don't suggest it for anyone else as it can throw the belt off of the tensioner if it's bent.
I use tri-flow oil on mine but I don't suggest it for anyone else as it can throw the belt off of the tensioner if it's bent.
#4
Thank God for the Search feature!
My serpentine belt noise was driving me crazy. I tried spraying WD40 and Windex that made it go away for a few seconds but nothing like Comet! After doing a search that hinted on Ajax, I tried sprinkling Comet on a plastic teaspoon and on to the idler pulley with the engine running and the chirping disappeared like magic. I even took it on a 15min test drive and still no noise.
Cheers,
Joe
My serpentine belt noise was driving me crazy. I tried spraying WD40 and Windex that made it go away for a few seconds but nothing like Comet! After doing a search that hinted on Ajax, I tried sprinkling Comet on a plastic teaspoon and on to the idler pulley with the engine running and the chirping disappeared like magic. I even took it on a 15min test drive and still no noise.
Cheers,
Joe
Last edited by stlrj; 10-25-2011 at 01:42 PM.
#5
#6
Thank God for the Search feature!
My serpentine belt noise was driving me crazy. I tried spraying WD40 and Windex that made it go away for a few seconds but nothing like Comet! After doing a search that hinted on Ajax, I tried sprinkling Comet on a plastic teaspoon and on to the idler pulley with the engine running and the chirping disappeared like magic. I even took it on a 15min test drive and still no noise.
Cheers,
Joe
My serpentine belt noise was driving me crazy. I tried spraying WD40 and Windex that made it go away for a few seconds but nothing like Comet! After doing a search that hinted on Ajax, I tried sprinkling Comet on a plastic teaspoon and on to the idler pulley with the engine running and the chirping disappeared like magic. I even took it on a 15min test drive and still no noise.
Cheers,
Joe