LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

squealing belt or pulley?

Old Aug 25, 2010 | 01:05 AM
  #1  
bigbluegmen2008's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 36
From: new york
squealing belt or pulley?

my vehicle is squealing from either the belt or one of the pulleys, i sprayed the alternator and it still squeals so its not the alternator. Any suggestions on what i should do? the belt looks new no cracks i just got the car last week and trying to fix it up. thank you
Old Aug 25, 2010 | 02:02 AM
  #2  
henryz28's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 974
First, rule out a more serious problem by removing the belt and starting the motor. If it is gone then it is most likely the tensioner.
Old Aug 25, 2010 | 02:49 AM
  #3  
RamAir95TA's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,152
From: Woodstown, NJ
Yep. Disconnect the belt. That's the easy way to pinpoint the source of the noise.
Old Aug 25, 2010 | 03:06 AM
  #4  
bigbluegmen2008's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 36
From: new york
thanx, if it still makes noise what would that be then?
Old Aug 25, 2010 | 12:16 PM
  #5  
RamAir95TA's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,152
From: Woodstown, NJ
Depends on the type of noise. Without actually hearing it, it could be anything. Post up a video if you can.
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 06:28 AM
  #6  
Procharged94Lt1's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 907
Easy suspect if still squealing could possibly be water pump...if you can clearly hear it try to pin-point where it is coming from and like RamAir stated- get a recording of it as well.
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 07:18 AM
  #7  
bigbluegmen2008's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 36
From: new york
Water pump is brand new from previous owner along with the belt I spray wd40 and it stops then starts up again
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 07:25 AM
  #8  
bw_hunter's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,942
From: Kissimmee, Fl, USA
Really, take off the belt...like was stated above.

If the noise goes away you should spin the individual components by hand to feel for any roughness or bearing 'rumble'. The power steering pump will spin but not easily, the AC compressor will spin easily enough without the clutch engaged. The alternator and the belt tensioner will spin freely. None of these things should rumble.

Once you get the belt off, start with the tensioner....in my opinion that's the most likely culprit.

However, none of them may make noise....then it's the belt. I use a gatorback and haven't had a issue for years.
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 08:09 AM
  #9  
bigbluegmen2008's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 36
From: new york
Will do that thank you
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 08:11 AM
  #10  
km9v's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,296
From: Beaumont, TX
I had a bit of trouble tracking down belt / pulley squeal noises last yr. I first replaced the main belt. The squealing was lower, but did not go away. Then I replace the tensioner pulley that removed 1 squeal. Apparently there was more than 1 source of squeal. I then replaced the A/C tensioner pulley which was not only squealing, but the bolt hole was ovaled out. Also, replace the A/C belt. After that the compressor broke, but that's another story.

So,

1. Tensioner
2. Belts
3. Idler pulleys

If that doesn't work, it's either the water pump or AC
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 10:05 AM
  #11  
GRIDERMAN87's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 365
From: Oklahoma---405
hope its not a bearing....
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 10:26 AM
  #12  
bw_hunter's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,942
From: Kissimmee, Fl, USA
I saw the water pump mentioned as a potential cause for the squeak. This will be readily answered when the belt is removed...squeak remains, it isn't the belt or a belt driven accessory. The water pump isn't belt driven so it would be suspect. If the squeak goes away when the belt is removed, it can't be the water pump.....
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 10:44 AM
  #13  
GRIDERMAN87's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 365
From: Oklahoma---405
It could be the water pump easy way to check would be to hold a rod (or Stick/broom handle) to it and listen through it
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 10:48 AM
  #14  
bigbluegmen2008's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 36
From: new york
Not sure how but the car only does it at high rpms such as when driving. When it is parked and at idle it does a squeak here and there.
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 12:17 PM
  #15  
GRIDERMAN87's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 365
From: Oklahoma---405
strange

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:44 AM.