Squeaky Belt Problem

[thekingofpain]

Had a terminal beltsqueak prob on an older Chev, no amount of belt changes, pully replacement, component swaps, goopy belt dressing or sanding would cure---longtime mechanic told me to put a drop of engine assembly lube on each pully (its a clear very thin lubricant) and the problem was solved, id have to re-do it during the winter after blasting thru puddles and stuff and when I sold the car I instructed the new owner in the "procedure"...
It worked is all I know :-)

Edit---ooopsie

[lynchmob]

The mech where I work uses a bar of soap
*WARNING* RUB SOAP ON BELT WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF!

lynch

[osprey4]

I guess the "general" in "General tech discussion" is getting more, well, general.

[Ritalin Kid]

Is it the original alternator???

Yep..

And this is not an engine that has a tensioner spring? Where it self-adjusts?

Nope.. Just a bolt you tighten and loosen to tighten and loosen the belt.

Does the alternator spin freely with the belt off? If it's tight or noisey, the front bearing is probably shot.

Yep.. Alt bearings are fine.

If it squeals from the A/C belt (with A/C clutch engaged or not) remove the A/C belt. The clutch pulley should spin freely (IGN. KEY OFF!) If it's balky, the clutch bearing is going out.

The belt doesn't go around the A/C compressor and the A/C clutch is never engaged.. seems like it squeals whenever the heater fan turns on and puts additional load on the Alternator.

Ditto for the water pump. Do you have fresh coolant? Anti-freeze contains a water pump lube in it, and the lube wears out much faster than the anti-freeze. This can cause the pump to squeal or sieze

I'll give it a look over but the water pump is pretty new and so is the coolant and I wouldn't think that it would seize up when I turn the heat/defroster/or just regular fan on.

How's the power steering oil? Does it spin smoothly?

That's fine plus it's on another serperate belt.. I think my car has a total of maybe 5-6 belts.

The mech where I work uses a bar of soap
*WARNING* RUB SOAP ON BELT WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF!

Tehe.. heh I'll give that a try..

Like I said before the problem only occurred after the battery has died once and then was recharged and actually the squealing belt was terrible for the first few days until the battery had a decent charge and now only does it for maybe 10 secs after I start the car..

Though I remember the first time it happened I waited until the belt squealed and wouldn't stop and when I pulled over the belt was smoking and now that I think of it I believe that may have "glazed" the pulleys..

I'm gonna try the sand paper and soap tonight and I'll let everyone know how it goes.. is there any particular soap I should use lynch??

[lynchmob]

He says he uses plain ivory soap.
lynch

[Centurion]

ed

[Gomer]

You running a stereo in that caddy? Sounds like you drained the battery and the alt was just working extra hard trying to get the juice back in while at the same time dealing with whatever load you were putting on it.

[Ritalin Kid]

I do have a stereo but it does this regardless if it's on or not.. Had the Alt and Battery tested today at Advanced Auto and they both checked out OK. Spent three hours today.. sanded the pulleys.. used a bar of soap.. nothing but we did find that the Alternator is not lining up exact with the main pulley but eveything we try we can;t seem to get it perfect..

Think I'm just gonna have to break down and take it to a shop.

[BlackRain]

I was gonna suggest the water pump as well since it is related to ac and heating...