Thread: Squealing fan belt

Looking at your pic the bush has worn at the top, time for a new one and a belt too

cheers

Originally Posted by Utemad

There is a small amount of forward/backward movement where it mounts to the block. Only very small but I was just told that this could be enough for the squeal.

Do you mean movement between both halves of the tensioner or movement between the tensioner and the block (the alloy casting behind the tensioner).

If it's movement between the tensioner and block, unbolt the tensioner and check the stud that threads into the alloy cast. The steel thread that goes into the alloy is at minimum specs (diameter of stud x 1.5). Mine was stripped, a stainless speedy sleave fixed it and fixed the squeak.

Best regards
DarrenR

Originally Posted by Utemad

This is what mine looks like.

Originally Posted by DiscoDan

Looking at your pic the bush has worn at the top, time for a new one and a belt too

I'm not sure what you mean. Please explain.

Is it because the gap at the top of the tensioning arm appears less than the sides?

Ron

The belt squeals because the smooth side becomes glazed.

Dust and water are also the enemy of the older serpentine belts.
As soon as water gets on it the squealing starts and there is pretty much no cure.

The cure is to buy a new one.

Mine squealed from day 1. The stealers couldn't fix it during the warranty period so eventually I took the tensioner off & placed it on a flat surface. I measured the pulley & it was not running parallel to the base. I packed a piece of 1mm laminate under the base when I refitted it. This solved the problem. I have since replaced it with a new one. I would suggest when you buy a new one, pull it out of the box, lay it on the counter base down & measure the pully back & front.
Michael.

Ron,

the gap between the arm and the locating part should be even, however on utemads the top is wider that the sides, also if you look at the bush, it has pushed in at the top.

This happens as the arm flexes slightly when the motor is running (normal) however it causes wear in a small area. Also the design (pully mounting is off set to arm) causes the bush to wear on an angle.

once this occurs it pushes the belt forwards (from memory) and the vees on the belt are pushed sideways into the pulleys. this is the cause of the noise.

apparently if you don't change the belt it will still squeal. Use the old one for a spare as this is all it is good for.

Danny.

ps could work out how to edit utemads pic and use as quote.