Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) New way for a belt to fail, for me anyway.

[Batphreak]

Just thought I'd share my experience from today. Had to work at one of our satellite plants, about 80 miles or so farther than I go for a regular day. I got about 3/4 of the way there, and the serpentine belt in the truck started screaming, louder than I've heard one in a long time. Stopped quick to see if I could spot an immediate problem, like locked tensioner pulley or water pump. Nothing, just squealing like a pig. So, crossed my fingers and prayed I could make it to the plant about 20 miles away. Made it, grabbed a breaker bar and pulled off the belt. Every pulley felt nice and smooth, all turned free, nothing tight. Belt is about 2. 5 years old, probably 40k miles or so on it, edges aren't frayed, no serious cracking on the outside or the grooves. Figured it had to be the belt since all the pulleys felt just fine. Grabbed a new Gates Micro V from O'Reilley (only real parts store in that town), put it on and no more screaming belt. I've had belts get a chirp while they're running around, and I've seen plenty get frayed and cracked over time, first time I've had one scream at me that it was just tired of working.

 

[fest3er]

It was probably screeching on the alternator (the only loaded pulley, since it's cold enough not to need the fan much and probably not needing the A/C. I had one do that once (in 275K miles/13+ years).

 

[KBrennan]

I have never ran across this as well. I do keep a spare brand new belt under the back seat just in case.

 

[Ken Roberts]

Wow!

This EXACT thing happened to me this past week. I was driving to South Carolina and made it about 150 miles and I heard the screeching over the roar of a 4" straight pipe. I replaced the serpentine belt and the tensioner pulley, ( the bearings in the pulley MIGHT have had a slight rough spot during rotation), and all is quiet again. The serpentine belt will always lets me know when it gets tired, it squeeks like a rusty mattress spring, but never screams. I swear, I thought someone had put a couple of Bobcats in the cab of the truck and they were in a death match.

I think the old one was a Goodyear Gatorback.





Ken R

 

[JPulliam]

Mine did the same thing but it was soaked with oil from my leaky oil pan gasket.

 

[Ragain]

Check tension on tensioner pulley. Possibly tensioner spring is getting weak or sticking on pivot shaft allowing belt to slip. I have found that not all tensioners are created equal. Look for brands that advertise dampening ability. Makes a huge difference and altenator chirp was eliminated at shutdown.