What is that squealing sound? Squealing from Belts

[jordanr]

Feedback welcome or questions that people want to see answered in a video. If you have other reasons why belts squeal or disagree with something in video please feel free to reply. Here is our latest video that talks about causes of belt squealing noises.

Ben explains why and show how belts might squeal on his 2002 Subaru Outback H4 2.5L. Applies to almost all vehicles. The crank pully uses flexible belts to drive the alternator, power steering pump, and airconditioning compressor.

Belt Squealing Causes
* Belt stretch, looseness (most common)
* Moisture and humidity
* Rain splashing up underneath
* Fluid leak from power steering
* Fluid leak from front oil seal behind balancer pulley
* Belt dust could even become lubricant (least common)

 

[grcauto]

Feedback welcome or questions that people want to see answered in a video. If you have other reasons why belts squeal or disagree with something in video please feel free to reply. Here is our latest video that talks about causes of belt squealing noises.

Ben explains why and show how belts might squeal on his 2002 Subaru Outback H4 2.5L. Applies to almost all vehicles. The crank pully uses flexible belts to drive the alternator, power steering pump, and airconditioning compressor.

Belt Squealing Causes
* Belt stretch, looseness (most common)
* Moisture and humidity
* Rain splashing up underneath
* Fluid leak from power steering
* Fluid leak from front oil seal behind balancer pulley
* Belt dust could even become lubricant (least common)

Glazed belt(s)...

 

[Mobile Dan]

Pulley mis-alignment can be the cause of abnormal belt noise.

 

[dabunk]

Tensioner spring failing

 

[nickb2]

road grime such as salt and sand in the ribs of the belt. Shows up as shiny specks which kind of look like broken glass caught in the grooves/ribs. Which in fact, they are in a way. This also causses slippage and hence squealing. Common fix, use a wire brush to clean the ribs.

Also, not common except in high mileage cars, worn pulleys. Was very common in Volkswagen power steering pump v belt pulleys.

 

[DJ40]

Here is a little trick I learned.... I was replacing my serpentine belt every six months because of it squealing. Then I saw a video where the guy claimed "Never replace a belt again" The instructions were to coil the belt in a large coffee can and submerge the belt in 303 protectant over night to let it soak in deep, then wipe it dry. The last time I replaced the belt I took that advice and I have not had to replace my belt since. FYI, he made the same claim for wiper blades so I did that to my last set of new blades and I have not had to replace those either.