Belt squeal....

[FDM2012]

Anyone ever had a bad belt squeal problem on their 7.3? I have changed, and/or inspected
everything, and it is pretty friggin loud until driven for 15 minutes or so.

I can't see anything out of alignment, and it seems to come from the sharp bend area of a/c and vacuum pump.
I have even changed the vacuum pump, no difference, and the a/c pulley spins smooth, and the
clutch/compressor has zero noise to it, when using my stethoscope. And there is no difference with
a/c on or off.

When I changed the belt a few months ago, it quit for the first run, but then the next day, it was
back to the same annoying/embarrassing noise......

Thoughts and advice?

Thx

 

[ujoint]

I've dealt with it a few times. On mine and a buddies we swapped to the Good Year (may be Continental now) gator back belt. Problem solved.

 

[Bikersmurf]

Sounds like Chris has the solution... but before replacing, have you tried belt dressing from the auto parts store?

 

[Ozrockrat]

Just rub some soap on it. Cheaper the better. Or swap to the gates green belts (as used on most ambulances and police vehicles)

 

[ujoint]

I tried belt dressing, even some high tech magic lube from Mercedes that a buddy recommended. Gator back, not a peep since!

 

[Bikersmurf]

Good to know. I'll need to track one of those down when it's time.

 

[djbonsu]

I had the same issue last winter, tried belt dressing, checked the alignment, and even new belts didn't work although they delayed the squeal coming right back. What did work for me was removing the belt and cleaning ALL of the pulleys with simple green or some sort of degreaser and an emery cloth/pad. Spray the pulleys and let them soak for an hour or so then scrub the pulleys using the emery cloth. Hose/spray them down with water, let it dry, put your belt back on (i ended up installing a brand new just because I had a warranty) and problem solved. FWIW I have the gates green HD belt.

 

[FDM2012]

I've cleaned everything, TWICE. I'm gonna order the Gator back.

THX Chris/everyone!

 

[moparmiller]

Replace tensioner and idler?

 

[cjken]

Mine can be pretty squeally
Especially in the cold. I guess I'll try the gator as well.

 

[Bikersmurf]

I'll throw in there that you can replace the bearings in the tensioner and idlers for about $7 a piece. I'd replace them routinely to avoid a failure at an inconvenient time.

 

[FDM2012]

Yep, I have done my bearings already, and my GatorBack will be here Thursday, which is
none to soon. This thing is squealing worse than Ned Beatty........

 

[The Yak]

Whenever I change a vehicle, or when belts are due for changing, I now always use Dayco. I have found them consistently good quality.

 

[FDM2012]

Dayco is what is on it now...... No Bueno

 

[M35A2]

Go Keto, drop some weight; your belt won't squeal.