Why does my belt squeal so much?
Your engine belts make a screech or squeal noise usually because the rubber belt is slipping on the metal pulley and just like your tires spinning on the road, this causes noise. The belt may be slipping due to improper tension or because it simply has gotten old and the surface has become glazed, cracked or brittle.
What is the direct cause of belt squeal?
The noises are most often caused by poor belt tension. Because belts are made of reinforced rubber, they can stretch over time. If the belt slips on its pulley, it heats up, glazes and slips even more.
What makes a high pitched squealing noise?
1. A high-pitched squeal when accelerating. If you notice a loud squeal when accelerating, especially if your car is just warming up, it could be that you have a loose or worn fan belt. Usually if your fan belts are worn, it could mean your timing belt needs to be replaced as well.
How long can I drive with a squealing belt?
That’s why it’s recommended that the serpentine belt is replaced early when the squealing symptoms are first noticed. Although it may be safe to drive with the squealing for a few days or weeks, the belt will eventually need to be replaced, and for safety, the earlier it’s repaired, the better.
Why does my engine belt make a squealing noise?
If the tension is too low, the belt will wobble and won’t have enough friction to drive the pulleys it’s running on. If this is the case, the engine belt will slip on the pulley causing the annoying squealing noise you hate.
What causes a fan belt to make noise?
Misaligned tensioner or pulley: If everything isn’t aligned correctly within the belt system, it will cause a slip and begin to make noise. Improper Installation: When installed, the belt must be tensioned appropriately and then re-tensioned again after a few minutes of running the engine.
What to do if your belt is making noise?
Next, use a belt dressing, such as Berryman Tite-Grip Belt Dressing. This product helps eliminate belt slippage by maximizing the power transfer of the belt.
What does it mean when your engine belt is uneven?
A belt that is wearing unevenly indicates that it may be misaligned, which could be occurring because of a pulley issue. If the belt is damaged, replace it right away. Not only could you end up stranded, but it could cause damage to other vital parts of the engine.