How can I tell which belt is making the noise?
To determine which belt is making the noise, the best practice is to ask an assistant to start the engine while taking a look under the hood. Modern vehicles typically have one or two belts: A single serpentine belt that drives several components or a separate one for the alternator. Older vehicles may have a series of belts.
Why does my car belt make a squeaking sound?
Car Engine Belt Sound The sound of a squeaking belt in a car’s engine can be caused by weather conditions, leaking fluids, maintenance issues or wear and tear. The magnitude of sound can range from a soft squeak to a loud and noisy squeal and it may occur while starting a cold engine or during normal vehicle operation.
Why does my serpentine belt make a noise when I accelerate?
If you hear squeals, then it could be your engine belt or serpentine belt. But in most cases, it will be your serpentine belt that is making these noises. They may even get worse as you step on the gas pedal to accelerate. Here are five of the most common reasons your serpentine belt is making noise when cold or accelerating.
Is there a way to quiet a noisy drive belt?
The belt itself is driven off the crankshaft pulley. There are a number of lubricants for sale which claim to quiet a noisy drive belt, but the only effective way to silence the squealing is to adjust the drive belt to specification. Note: If the vehicle is equipped with a serpentine belt, it is not possible to adjust it.
Why does my car belt make a noise when I start it?
Most belt chirps and belt squeals occur in the shortest spans between two driven components. So start the engine and spray a stream of water onto the ribbed side of the belt before it wraps around a pulley. If the noise goes away, but returns again in a few minutes, the problem is misalignment.
What makes a belt sound like a squeal?
If you have belt noise that sounds like a squeal or chirp, you’ve got an underlying problem that must be fixed. The #1 cause of serpentine belt noise is a worn automatic serpentine belt tensioner. Most people blame the belt and replace it only to find the belt noise returns.
How can you tell if a car belt is a chirp or a squeal?
One method to determine if the noise is a chirp or squeal is to use a water squirt bottle and spray the rib side of the belt while the vehicle is running. If the noise gets louder, it’s a squeal. If the noise goes away, it’s a chirp.
What to do if your engine fan belt is making noise?
Not only could you end up stranded, but it could cause damage to other vital parts of the engine. Look for any discoloration or wetness that may indicate a fluid leak or water on the belt. A little splash of water on the belt isn’t a big deal. However, if it is due to leaking motor oil, coolant, or other engine fluid, the issue is urgent.