squeeky serpentine belt argh!

[86mud]

Hi all

As you can all see from my previous thread that I have just replaced my serpentine belt and air con belt on my 300tdi. No I have an annoying fan belt squeek. First of all, it was all the time - at idle and through the rev range.

I looked closely at the belt this morning to make sure it was fitted correctly. The new belt had no directional markings (it is a dayco brand). Today I changed the belt around and now it doesn't squeek at idle but still squeeks through the rev range.

The squeek is coming from the flat surface of the tensioner pulley. I tried a bit of soap and I even tried some steel wool on the surface, but this didn't work.

Any ideas? Is it just a new belt "wearing in"?

Cheers
Andrew

[rovers1952]

When I had this problem on my D1, the tensioner pulley arm where it spring pivots was shot resulting in the pulley running "off-true".

[Graeme]

Have you checked that its not the bearing in the tensioner pulley?

[86mud]

The pulley ran fine with the old belt yesterday before I changed to the new belt.

Funnily enough the squeek is "highlighted" when the writing on the belt runs around the pulley...

[86mud]

I've narrowed it down to the alternator pulley.

I have noticed in the last few days that the alternator light has been coming on at speed/high revs and this is when the serpentine belt squeeks. So i am guessing the alternator might be on the way out - the alternator must be struggling to turn correctly at high revs.

[siacci]

Dah, I didnt look at the date.

Dave

[dullbird]

I've narrowed it down to the alternator pulley.

I have noticed in the last few days that the alternator light has been coming on at speed/high revs and this is when the serpentine belt squeeks. So i am guessing the alternator might be on the way out - the alternator must be struggling to turn correctly at high revs.

you got the correct size belt then?

[Ranga]

I just had a squeaky serp belt problem until about 2 weeks ago. Dry lube/soap/crayon all shut it up for about 30 minutes, then it would return.

Whilst getting it serviced at MR Automotive, they changed the belt, cleaned out all the grooves on each pulley, and still couldn't get rid of it. Eventually, they fixed it by replacing the tensioner pulley. Wasn't as cheap a fix as I hoped, but them's the breaks...

I think it cost about $150 to replace, including labour, but my memory fails me right now.

[dullbird]

My Squeak became apparent after changing for a new tensioner.....what had happened was I had put a belt on that had a shiny back, the garage changed it for a rough backed belt (very rough actually) and the squeak disappeared instantly.....

[86mud]

I am still yet to eliminate the squeek when using a brand new belt.

I am just running around with the old belt.

It must just be the tensioner. I was thinking of running some sand paper on the wheel to "resurface: it.

Just one of the jobs that got forgotten.

Cheers
Andrew

[siacci]

On the 98 d1sco v8 you can fit the serpentine bet 2 ways. Everything works both ways It fits like it should both ways. One way it squeaks and one way it dont. I had to check the manual to get it the right way. Each time the mechanic has it I have to pull it off and put it on the right way. (did it to myself the first time though)

Dave

[ryaninhilltop]

Had the same problem, went over everything couldn't find the problem, started using belt grip, about two months later the belt snapped, had a old belt laying around put it on lasted about 15 minutes.Checked the tensioner again couldn't find any play in it. Decided to buy a new tensioner any way,
No more noise!
Mick

[seano87]

My Squeak became apparent after changing for a new tensioner.....what had happened was I had put a belt on that had a shiny back, the garage changed it for a rough backed belt (very rough actually) and the squeak disappeared instantly.....

I had a very annoying squeak/screech with my serpentine belt when I bought the vehicle 18 months ago, the tensioner had been replaced about a month before I bought it, but had old belt, so first thing I did was change to a new belt (Gates) and it was even worse :mad:, so bought a Dayco upon recommendation, which was no better.

I read on one of the UK LR sites that the tensioner pulley manufacturing tolerances can be such that it does not run true - the way to solve is a 5c coin behind the tensioner where is sits against the block, at the 9 o'clock position as you look at it from the front of the vehicle. Haven't heard a peep out of it since. Might be worth a look for anyone with persistent problems.

DB, in regards to the rough backed belt, is it a Lemforder belt by any chance? I have heard they are very good at staying quiet due to the rough backing instead of shiny.

Seano

[Taz]

yep - 5cent piece at 9 oclock - fixed it for me

[dullbird]

I had a very annoying squeak/screech with my serpentine belt when I bought the vehicle 18 months ago, the tensioner had been replaced about a month before I bought it, but had old belt, so first thing I did was change to a new belt (Gates) and it was even worse :mad:, so bought a Dayco upon recommendation, which was no better.

I read on one of the UK LR sites that the tensioner pulley manufacturing tolerances can be such that it does not run true - the way to solve is a 5c coin behind the tensioner where is sits against the block, at the 9 o'clock position as you look at it from the front of the vehicle. Haven't heard a peep out of it since. Might be worth a look for anyone with persistent problems.

DB, in regards to the rough backed belt,
is it a Lemforder belt by any chance? I have heard they are very good at staying quiet due to the rough backing instead of shiny.

Seano

no funnily enough it was a lemforder i bought when I bought the new tensioner...that made it squeak like a bitch..

the garage actually said to me they are renowned for being really really good belts but they (or the one I had) had a shiny back.. he pulled a new belt off the shelf to show me the difference, and what a difference it was the blet he had put in replace of the new belt bought was so rough on the back it was like it had little pockets everywhere if that makes sense.

the lemoforder is now my emergency belt...incase I ever snap one. I will never be without a belt in the back now after shredding one and having to dead tow home

[roverrescue]

Ha ha Gold...
Have had a squeeker 300 for about 6 months - gotten good at ignoring it.
Ive tried new belts, old belts, all new bearings - no real change
Then oil, dry lube, talc each worked for a bit then squeeker came back.

Eyeballing the belt everything was true and square, no funny movements, no wear to the tensioner at the spring - but figured whats 5 cents. Just put 5c in at 9oclock and we have silence...

Thankyou to whoever wrote this suggestion !!!!!! I owe you a goldie!

Steve

[Ranga]

Wish I had tried the 5c trick before replacing my tensioner... :(

[CraigE]

I had similar. Was not bearing noise, but seemed to be a belt rubber squeal. It came about after fitting a new belt, but was only audible at low speed. My BIL was down and he was having a look as he was thinking bearing and when he saw it was not showed me that squirting water from a spray bottle would stop it temporarily. Apparently very common with heavy machinery and due to dry rubber compounds. Belt grip is not really recommended for these type of serpentine belts as it can cause too much grip. I experimented a little with water, then tried some Lanox on it. Did not cause any slippage and the squeal disappeared and has not returned 10 months later. Being lanolin based while a lubricant does not promote slippage.