Must Find The Squeak

[Snagglefoot]

Hey guys, thanks for the help with my last problem.

I have a new issue and am having a hard time pinpointing the exact trouble piece.

First, it is a squeak. The squeak only happens when the engine warms up. When it decides to squeak it is very consistent with its timing. It starts to squeak and then the sound goes away for about 20-30 seconds and then comes back. sometimes louder then before. I have sprayed liquid wrench behind the serpentine belt of some of the components on the engine and the sound did go away for about half a day. I believe the sound is coming from the passenger side of the engine compartment. I have not changed the tensioner or the belt yet because it doesn't sound like that kind of squeal. And the belt doesn't squeal on start up. The coolant temperature is fine, I don't know if it is the pump or not though. Sometimes at speed on the highway I can hear a quiet consistent squeal ever once in a while under the sound of the engine. But, goes away as I slow down and stop, then picks up again as I am sitting at the stop, then goes away as I start moving again. I would be able to tell if it was the belt, I know what that sounds like but this has me lost...Thanks guys for any help you can give. "Expedition's Rule"

Sincerely,

Nathan Jensen

 

[docraymund]

Its hard to tell. It could be the belt, idler pulley, or alternator bearing.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I would replace the idler pulley and the belt tensioner. You may have damaged the belt material by spraying liquid wrench near it (allowing the product to be absorbed by the belt). You must remove the belt to remove the pulley and tensioner, so I would also replace the belt.

 

[MikeA]

Idler Pulley
Loosen the tensioner idler pulley, slide belt off, grab the idler pulley and see if you can wiggle, rock, push or pull the idler wheel, feeling to check if the bearing is getting loose, check to see if it spins without drag or spins with any kind of sounds.

Alternator
With belt still off, spin the alternator by hand, feel for a slight grinding or loose bearings, should not hear any sounds.

 

[rjdelp7]

Goodyear/Continental make a belt called the GATORBACK. The package says the "quiet belt". I had the same problem. It is called belt chirp. It was worse when damp or it rained. This belt stopped the noise. Make sure the pulleys are clean, with no build up on the smooth ones. Spin the tensioner and check for noise. Dayco belts(avoid), are known, for this squeak problem.