[honour]

Hey all -
So my belt has been sqealing for about 6 months. I have had it 'looked at' by mechanics a few times, but it still sings out that peaceful harmonious scream just about every time I start it. Which is pretty embarrassing at client meetings...
I tried putting a little chalk on the inside of the belt, to no avail.
Any suggestions?

[Scrawny]

Replace them

When you have the belts off, check that all the pulleys spin freely. Can you pinpoint which belt it is?

[Seth2013]

eek!

mine always does it after water crossings - its the A/C, can tell as it only does it when its engaged. but I can't remember mine ever doing it on start up.

not sure if thats any help.

[honour]

I dont think its the AC, as it does it without the AC turned on. Only squeals when cold though, so assume it is the fan belt. Thanks guys.

[Scrawny]

It'll no doubt be the alternator that is putting extra load on the belt.

[just_cruizin]

As above, check you battery condition and alternator

[Jezza86]

The belt dosent squeal it only makes that noise when a pully is doing a different speed then the belt.
This can be a jamed ideler pully, stuffed alternator, power steering pump, lack of tension on the belt, or the belt is deteriorated to the point it only gets traction on the metal pulleys once warm

[droverdave]

Too much tension on the belt can cause it too.

[honour]

Hmm ok. I actually had some work done on my alternator recently as it got a bit dirty during a recent 4wd day. Might get it back to the mechanic in that case to get himto check it out.
Is the chalk thing a myth?

[atari4x4]

i use dry soap

[GeckoXL7]

Mine does it when the batt is a bit low on initial start the Alternator is flat out at max amps trying to charge the batt as quickly as possible. The belts had right tension too, pullys are good. Just dont think the Dayco belts can handle it. There are belts to help with noise etc... I have just used belt dressing or sillicon spray which works for a while.

http://www.gates.com/products/automotiv ... rov-aramid

But yeah best to check if everything is moving freely (pulleys etc) , tension right and belts in good condition.

[Jezza86]

GeckoXL7 wrote:

on initial start the Alternator is flat out at max amps trying to charge the batt as quickly as possible.

that's a good point.

[GraphicX]

mine is squealing every now & then, mainly not long after staring & driving off. i know it's the pulley (idler pulley ?) as i changed the belts recently (was squealing prior) & when i spun the pulley it sounded quite dry. changing my radiator soon so will be doing the pulley at the same time.

[honour]

Sorry about the late reply guys - only just saw your posts. Thanks!
I have learnt to keep my revs quite high until I at least leave my work area, and this avoids the squealing. Will get it checked out asap and let you all know what it was. Thanks again.

[GraphicX]

i swapped out my pulley, cost $30 from ebay delivered but it still squeals, guessing it's bearings on the alternator/power steering/air con.

[honour]

Sounds like you're on to it mate. Recently my alternator was filled with dirty stream water and associated debris - took a while to clean out and get going properly again. Sounds like the alternator may well be the source of the squeal.

[BertZook]

mine squeals as other says when cold, mostly on mornings, nights, when weather is mostly cold.

also it only stops after I drive a bit and put my foot down into the clutch, thats the only way I found to make it stop :/