Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) squealing from engine? make it stop!!!!!!!

[MxerChris]

noticed the belt shredding and replaced it, then starting getting a squeal so I replaced the idler pulley, still squealing then thought it was the a/c compressor, replaced it still squealing then thought it was the alternator, had new bearings and brushes installed still squealing, sprayed the belt with belt dressing and the sound changed, sprayed water from the hose on everything and the squeal went away???????? Going nuts and foolishly spending too much money trying to get rid of the noise, any suggestions???????

 

[MSnow]

I got the same problem. I think it's the idler itself that is making the noise. Just think how many time it moves back and forth when the engine is running. I sprayed some lubricant down inside of it and it goes away for a while.

 

[B.G. Smith]

You have a stationart idler and the belt tensioner pulley plus the water pump. The 99 I had did the squealing number and it was the belt tensioner pulley. bg

 

[MxerChris]

I've replaced the idler pulley but it still squeals and sprayed lube into the tensioner. could it be the belt itself? what about the goodyear gatorback belts??

 

[B.G. Smith]

I doubt that it is the belt squealing, as far as the gatorback belt, I don't wan't anyting with the name "Goodyear" any where near my truck, Dayton would be my choice. I have never used the gatorback (and won't) but some on here swear by it. If you can get your hands on a stethascope, you may be able to isolate the noise. bg

 

[BDaugherty]

I've never had good luck with belt dressing. I don't use it under any circustances. At all. Ever.

That said, I like WD40 for troubleshooting a squealing belt. If you spray WD40 on a belt and it stops squealing, it's belt slippage causing the squeal. If it doesn't stop squealing, it's a component.

If it were me, I would remove the belt and "feel" each component. The one that feels different from the others is usually your problem.

 

[JJPage]

I had a full size bronco that I was having the same problem. After changing the belt first with the best one NAPA sold, I preceded to replace all the components. Still would squeal, was driving me crazy.



I finally went to Ford and purchased their FOMOCO belt, the squealing stopped instantly. The rubber felt like a softer compound on the Ford belt, not sure if it was, but it certainly solved the problem.

 

[hsmith]

I have fixed a few of these with the "GOODYEAR GATORBACK". Mine included.

 

[B.G. Smith]

I've never had good luck with belt dressing. I don't use it under any circustances. At all. Ever.

That said, I like WD40 for troubleshooting a squealing belt. If you spray WD40 on a belt and it stops squealing, it's belt slippage causing the squeal. If it doesn't stop squealing, it's a component.

If it were me, I would remove the belt and "feel" each component. The one that feels different from the others is usually your problem.

Agree about the belt dressing. I don't think it was ever intended for automotive belt use even though it is found in most automotive stores. It was originally used on the old flat belt industrial/farm systems like cotton gins and peanut thrashers. Usually if a V belt is slipping, either the pulley or the belt is worn out, or loose. The flat belt we now have can bottom out on the grooves much like the old V belts when worn out. bg

 

[cojhl2]

I replaced my belt a few thousands back with a NAPA purchased belt. (I don't know what brand it is)



But after about 2 thousand miles it started this squeel routine. I went back to the old belt and no squeel.



NAPA says I have the correct belt but I notice it is one grove wider than the one that does not squeel. But it also seems to be a much huskier belt.



So my plan of action is to watch this thread and learn something about belts!



edit: BTW soap on the belt will diag the belt squeel.

 

[MxerChris]

well I went and got a goodyear gatorback belt and put it on this afternoon and so far no squeal, so if this fixes it I basically went half around the world spent $450+ on a squeal and turns out to be the belt (STUPIDO!!) so everyone try and learn from my dumb*****.

 

[MSnow]

Whoda thunk it? Put a new belt and pulley a few months ago. A pain in the tukus doing it by your self. I like BDaugherty's idea. WD-40 is less invasive.

 

[radyvolk]

I have also replaced the belt (NAPA warranted) and still had a squeal. I then replaced the idler tension pulley, water pump, fan carrier bearing and replaced the bearings in alternator. Ran the A/C and it did not change the squeal when the compressor kicked on/off. This was done over a period of time. This weekend I removed the fan clutch, but it still squealed, then I removed the belt and the squeal was gone. Checked the belt and it looked almost new (12k mile on this belt). I squired liquid dish soap on the belt and the squeal went away for a little while. Now I'm thinking of ordering a belt from Geno's instead of replacing with a NAPA belt.



Randy

 

[MxerChris]

radyvolk, I have had the Goodyear Gatorback belt on mine now for over 2 months and still no squeal! I would definetly try one first. Got mine from Autozone, I think it was about $26.

 

[Flying_gage]

For what it is worth, I was informed by a local mechanic about a "batch" of belts from Gates that were bad. They have a quiet recall on them because of this problem. The only reason I know about it is due to my wife's suburban having one of them. On a different note, I learned high pitched consistent squealing drives my wife near insane

 

[GCroyle]

I recently spent some time working with a Dayco rep at some open house type functions he showed off a new belt that had (as I remember) fibers sticking out into the groove area, think it was arimid, not sure. Claim was for latest and greatest design, might want to look at their website.

 

[Joe Mc]

Replaced mine w/Gatorback due to squeal about 4 years and 80k ago - still squeal free . . .

 

[radyvolk]

Replaced NAPA belt with the Dayco belt from Geno's, now there is no squeal.

Randy

 

[SHobbs]

I replaced the factory belt about one year after I got my truck with a Gatorback. I have close to 240k miles on the truck and am on the second Gatorback with zero chirp, shredding or other problems. Only reason I changed the first one was more of a feel good thing before the summer driving season last year, tossed it in the toolbox for a spare.