Squealing belt since going off roading

[mike5]

Since the Jan 1st trip to Cleghorn, it sounds like one of my belts squeals for a few seconds after a start the car. This happens when the car is cold. The odd thing is that I had the belts changed a couple of days before the trip. All I can think of is driving through the mud may have something to do with it. My engine compartment got a good amount of mud as a result. I did wash of the engine compartment yesterday though in hopes of alleviating the sound...but no luck. Is this to be expected? Will it go away on its own? Anything I can do?

Since I'm a newbie to all this...I'm a bit lost. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scrubber3]

A lot of times, shortly after a new belt install you have to re-tighten them. Typically 2-6 weeks. There are other factors that play into this as well. Could be belt quality, dust, moisture, temperature, etc. If a couple turns of a wrench to tighten them up doesn't work, get a gator-back belt made by goodyear. I used them on applications where the vehicle just had a chronic case of the belt squeal.

Good luck

 

[Silverwulf]

My 99 has had all belts replaced @ 800 miles ago. I have had a slight belt squeal at start up lately, especially when it cold and I have heater fan going. This weekend I'm going to re-adjust it. I figure it stretched somewhat from new.

 

[jotec]

A lot of times, shortly after a new belt install you have to re-tighten them. Typically 2-6 weeks. There are other factors that play into this as well. Could be belt quality, dust, moisture, temperature, etc. If a couple turns of a wrench to tighten them up doesn't work, get a gator-back belt made by goodyear. I used them on applications where the vehicle just had a chronic case of the belt squeal.

Good luck

yea you probably need to retighten them they stretch a little when there new.

 

[mike5]

So are you guys saying the DOHC SR motor does not use tensioners?

 

[GrassCat]

So are you guys saying the DOHC SR motor does not use tensioners?

The tensioner you speak of is for the timing belt. The OP is talking about his drive belts (alternator, air, etc.).

 

[mike5]

Thanks for the clarification...it makes sense now. I was thinking of modern cars with serpentine belts that use tensioners. But our car has 3 belts and it looks like no tensioner. So a tightening makes perfect sense.

 

[off-roader]

I was thinking of modern cars with serpentine belts that use tensioners.

Be thankful for that. I went on a fire-road trail with a friend and his GMC Pickup with the single serpentine belt. Power steering pump shaft broke and his rig stopped moving because it was that stupid single serpentine belt. Putting the belt back on after replacing the pump was no picnic either.

My power steering belt broke last year when getting off the freeway and I was able to simply drive it to the parts store for a belt and was able to put it on in under 20 minutes.