help me stop the start up squeel!!!

[Bill_Dunnigan]

I get a nasty loud squeal at start up. it can last just a second, or up to 20 seconds. it always goes away on its own. I'm not sure if its the belts or what? anyone have this issue?

 

[LittleCaesar]

Drive belts. Change all three if they are old. That should be your cure.

OEM or Bando would be the brand of belt to use.

 

[IanV]

Like he said try the belts, if not those could be your fan clutch going.

 

[Bill_Dunnigan]

two of them are new, one is old. Is there tension-er that could be loose or worn out? maybe its time to switch to an electric fan. any junk yard electric fan upgrades?

 

[Nelsonmd]

Before you go switching any belts out, check the tension on them. I don't know how to measure the proper tension on them, but if one feels looser than the others, tighten it. They all have tension bolts on them. A loose belt will squeal.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Change the old one then to eliminate it being the culprit.

I usually just judge the tension by center deflection; the PS belt should be the tightest with about a 1/4"~3/8" amount of deflection, the ALT should be 3/8"~1/2", and 1/2" for the AC belt.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Getting to the tensioners are a b*tch on these things. I changed all 3 belts a few months ago, I couldn't for the life of me get the tensioner right for the power steering belt. I tried everything, I just couldn't get to it well enough to tighten it enough.

But I agree, change the old one for good measure and check the tension on the others.

 

[LittleCaesar]

The PS tensioner bolt requires a short or stubby 14mm ratcheting wrench, and the ALT requires a 12mm ratcheting wrench.

 

[Nelsonmd]

The PS tensioner bolt requires a short or stubby 14mm ratcheting wrench, and the ALT requires a 12mm ratcheting wrench.

I just replaced the tensioner bolt and slide nut cause mine had rusted off, and holy crap that bolt is annoying to reach.

You better have a ratcheting box end wrnech for it, because a socket won't fit and you don't want to have to remove and reset the wrench every 1/20th of a turn.