Hi everybody,

I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, 5.3L, 2 wheel drive. Lately the belt has been squealing real badly and I was wondering what I could use as a quick fix to the problem. I know replacing it would be best, but we just put over $400 into it for a new water pump.

Any suggestions?


Thanks,
Max

 

the belt should not be cracked or frayed, or be shiny/glazed. If it is replace it. With the belt off spin all the pulleys, they should spin freely with no noise, and they shouldn't wobble. replace as necessary. Pull on the tensioner and make sure it isn't binding up. ...oh ya, and never use belt dressing, it can only make things worse.

 

Quick fix? Replace the thing, and the tensioner, too. In and out in ten minutes. Belt dressing from your friendly local auto parts store might help, might hurt, might do nothing at all but cost you money -- but that's the el-cheapo try anything once fix.

 

Don't just replace stuff right away when the diagnosis for this is so easy...
And if you do decide to get a new belt, personally I would get a gatorback belt and not a dayco. My new dayco belt squealed, and my new gatorback is quiet as can be.

 

A quick, temporary fix for a V-belt is holding a bar of soap on it. Probably work on a serpentine belt as well. Bar of soap is also good for a leaking gas tank. Obviously this is just to get you home.

 

Should the engine be running at the time? And should the bar of soap be wet or dry?

Max

 

Engine needs to be running. Bar of soap dry. Be careful around that moving belt.

 

Ok, I'll try that tomorrow morning. Thanks for the help!

 

Erm, soap is going to lubricate the belt, and make it more prone to slipping....... Also, sticking your hand into a running engine is just not something I would suggest to anyone, ever....... if the belt gets ahold of you, you are going to be in for a world of hurt.

 

After I fixed the Plenum/Tc/water pump/new tensioner /etc I put on a new gates belt and it squealed like crazy. Put on a new dayco and never had a sound again.