belt squealing extremely loud
 

Last night we had about 3 to 5 inches of rain in my area....it was bad..Wind was about 40 to 50 mph all night. Anywho I remote started it this morning....it started fine....but when I went out it was squealing louder than I ever heard it....im assuming it was the belt which isnt too old. When I started driving it got somewhat quieter but not really. Also heard a clunking noise when I started breaking from the front passenger tire I think


Any insight in why that happened? I mean its been outside during hurricanes and never made that noise...and its the first time I ever heard it do that

maybe your alternator, water pump or power steering are starting to go, and the high humidity added to the slip. just a guess.

Maybe just the humidity? Could it possibly be the belt? I cant remember when it was changed

if the belt is shiny frayed or cracked replace it.The humidity is certainly a factor, but if it is really loud I bet something else is to blame. Just another guess, it could be the tensioner. I like the design of it, but i'm sure the springs wear out over time. shoot a little belt dressing on it, if it is just the humidity it should help, but I bet it is more.

I have hit some big water and had that screaming, it always eventually went away after a good dry out. Brakes act real funny after a good soak, just look how fast your rotors are covered in rust after they get wet and dry. If mine sits for a day or two I feel and hear all kinds of funny **** in them.


Give the belt a good inspection, see if the tensioner bearing or anything else seems like it has any play.


One of the belt company's gives away a little belt grove test gage, go to a couple of parts stores. One of them will have them at the counter, there free. Reliable, I don't know. I'm sure it helps them sell more belts!


Read a long thing on why not to use belt dressing, it seemed to make sense but for the life of me can't remember a thing about it.

I'm glad I live in the scorching hot desert. We get less than 5 inches a year in rain, usually all at once. to bad My Jimmy hasn't always lived here.

I started my truck after work (9 hours later, with it being beautiful out around 70 and sunny lol) and it definitely wasnt like it was this morning, but seemed a tad bit higher than normal with some squeaks. where exactly is the tensioner? also are you able to lube the bearings of the pulleys somehow?

You will see it. Neverheard of one going its the bearing that goes they come as a single piece already pressed in the pulley for like $12.

Goodwrench Gatorback belt
 

I just read about these on a corvette forum. I heard they don't slip, and reduce vibration which should help your bearings last longer.

Your tensioner pulley should be directly below the alternator. All you need to do is put a ratchet in there and pull up or down to counteract the force of the spring. I think it's a 3/4 drive but have a few different drives just incase I am wrong.

If it's calmed down on the mad squeaks, I'd let it sit for another day or two in the sun just to see if the moisture was a problem.