Squealling Belts

[MontanaEagle]

I'm not sure what belt I need to replace, I think it might be the alternator belt something something.  But, whenever I first start up, and push on the gas something squeals until I get to maybe 3rd gear (I have an automatic wagon so I'm not sure exactly what gear).  But after the engine is good and hot it won't squeal as much. It only does it when I hit the gas, and only until about 20 or 25 MPH.

On a perhaps related note, when I first start her up in the cold the first crank of the wheel it feels as though there is no power steering.  After I drive about 10 feet everything is back to normal.  Not sure if it's the same deal as whatever belt is making all the noise.

Any tips or suggestions?  Do I need any special tools to replace belts?

[craigp29690]

Check the PS fluid level of course.  But I'd guess that if the steering feels stiff you're not getting fluid flow like you should, and the belt is probably dried out which makes it sqeal.  If you're unsure of the age of the belts, don't gamble, just replace all of them.  Check your tensions once installed because even with a new belt, if it's too loose it will squeal under load.  AC compressor and PS pump belts are usually the most likely candidates because they are loaded, the Alternator not so much as it's more free spinning and when loaded due to having all the lights and other bells and whistles operating it sitll doesn't create that much rotational resistance.

[LaGuardia]

The two symptoms together say it clear. The PS belt is loose. Even brand new belts, if the tension is low, squeal like crazy.

So, as craigp said, check the PS fluid level first, then look for leaks around the PS pump (oil on belts and pulleys is no good) but then go for new belts install and set to correct tension. I recently installed DayCo Top-Cog and they're perfect !

The PS one is not the easier to tension because space around the pump is restricted, but you can easily do a whole set change in an hour or so.

Ah, and you can easily tell which belt is loose by looking at them and revving the engine (from the carb side of throttle linkage, or having someone doing it for you): a tight belt keeps its shape, a loose one shows a sort of "vibration", like a guitar string played open...

[MontanaEagle]

How do I know when I have the correct tension?  When they look tight?  Feel tight?  Sound like a guitar when I pluck them?

[LaGuardia]

We both thought about a guitar at the same time... strange !

Theoretically, you should use a tension meter tool. But it's not one of those things we keep in the tools chest...

So, you can just go by "feeling" the tension. Or try pushing down and pulling up the belt in the middle of two pulleys: if the distance between the lowest point you can reach by pushing it and the highest point you can pull is in the 2 centimeters range you can go with it.

It's the "Italian Way"! 

[craigp29690]

Yeah you need a little bit of deflection in the belt,  if it's too tight you can wear out bearings in the accessories or even the crank.  Usually a half inch of deflection in both directions is a good starting point. 

[MontanaEagle]

Thanks, I'll start with the fluid, I might have knocked something loose on one of my trips.  Then I'll look at the belts, they are most likely old and need replaced anyways.  If all else fails I'll start smashing things with a hammer.

[craigp29690]

Unless you're smashing up some Ford Taurus, please restrain from directing any frustration on your Eagle.  There are plenty here who would adopt it from you if need be.

[beacheagle]

don't worry, the eagle will bite you if you get angry at it. I wear mechanix gloves all the time and my eagle has found ways to chew up my wrist and arm just beyond the glove. they are very carnivorous !!!

[ammachine390]

Mine would always squeal when the engine was cold, only when accelerating. I replaced the belts, but it turned out to be the alternator that was causing the squealing.

[craigp29690]

The resistance a loaded alternator puts on an engine isn't as much as a PS pump at full lock or an AC compressor.  Sure it still introduces a load to the engine when you've got all your electrical goodies glowing.   

Belt dressing is a bandaid.  When your belts get to the point of being dried out enough such that they don't grip, it's probably a good indication that it's time for a change.  Look at them on the inside and if there is any dry cracking, replace. 

And as said before, whenyo ureplace your belts take some brake cleaner or similar and clean the surfaces of the pullies. 

[mudkicker715]

Just another person to say an altenator puts major drag on a motor when charging. And when you use another seperate alt to weld with it will drop the rpm atleast 500rpm. 

[MontanaEagle]

I didn't get a chance last night to check the PS fluid or anything.  I'll have to do that tonight.  I'm taking Francine on an ice climbing road trip this weekend so I want to make sure she's running perfectly.  I'll take various pictures and let you know how it goes (both the trip and the belt fix).

[amc78concord]

I just had my Concord's belt squealing dilemma fixed... It was my Alternator belt, and what you were describing there sounds familiar to what happened to mine.  Just a thought...

[IowaEagle]

I had a four banger 2.6 Voyager once, with a two belt alternator.  Having two belts on it was necessary as one belt, with the drag when a lot of electrical things were used, like headlights and A/C would not cut it.  I had a very long trip back from Arkansas once until it got light out and I could see what the real problem was.