I just returned from a short drive in a heavy rain.

When I parked the car, I could hear a drive belt noise. I turned of the engine for a few minutes, and when I turned it back on again, the noise was still there.

The belts are definitely tight, and no fraying was observed. I'm not sure if these are the original belts, but I can find out if needed. The A/C wasn't on at any time.

Rob

 

By drive belt noise, do you mean squealing/slip noise?

If yes, your belts may be a bit loose. Easier to adjust both belts than try to determine which is causing the squeal. Most adjust belts so longest span will deflect 1/2" under firm (25-40 lbs? no spec here). This ia usually adequate.

If belt/s slip after adjustment, you may have a severely worn belt that is polished or glazed increasing slip tendency. Suggest replacing both belts.

good luck

 

you can try taking off one belt and start the engine for just a moment, if it goes away thats the belt,,if not it is the other one,,DO NOT use any type of belt dressing , ask me how i know. lol, good luck and keep us posted of your findings.

 

Thanks - I'll keep everybody posted on this.

BTW, how do you know about belt dressing being a no-no? Did u use a dressing and have the belt slip off?

 

I've used belt dressing but you have to remember it's not a permanent fix. I've suggested it as a diagnostic device - if it makes the squeal go away then it's a bad belt.

Belt dressing might increase the grip of a belt that's getting old & slippery. It doesn't last a real long time, but might get you home. But at the same time if you over-tighten the belt then you start having trouble with alternator bearings & stuff like that.

Belts get hard & slippery with age, sometimes that happens without any fraying. No real fix except a new belt.

 

Hi Jim:

I took the car out yesterday for local and highway driving. I didn't hear any noise, either at idle or speed.

Now that I've read your post discussing over-tightened belts, I'm leaning towards leaving everything alone. I checked the belts, and I don't detect any fraying, nor do the belts feel hard.

What is the best approach here?

Question re posting - I have to edit each post, as the preview has two lines skipped between each paragraph. Is there a setting I need to change to get a single line between paragraphs?

Thanks,

Rob

 

If the noise returns take a bar of soap and push it into the belt when running. If the noise goes away you found the bad belt.