changed belt; still squealing. why? (vehicle, mileage, engines, replace) - Automotive -Sports cars, sedans, coupes, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, tickets, dealers, repairs, gasoline, drivers... - City-Data Forum

southgeorgia · 12-09-2008, 05:22 PM

i have an '05 sierra; 5.3L V8 w/ electric fans.

it started chirping and squealing, so i changed the belt. it wasn't cracked and didn't show too much wear, but it did have 100k miles on it.

its still squealing when i start it up; it doesn't seem to be quite as noticeable since i changed the belt, but its there.

any ideas as to what is going on under the hood?

thanks

starliner 61 · 12-09-2008, 05:43 PM

First, a belt with 100k on it is well worn, even if it doesn't "look" like it.

I would be looking toward the belt tensioner assembly. It might have play in the bearing or the spring loaded tensioner causing to to move and cause the squeal. Very common on GM's.

The squeal is caused by improper alignment and/or a worn out belt. This can also be exacerbated by wet weather, cool mornings, condensation, etc.

Good luck.

kbg · 12-09-2008, 05:44 PM

It could be the belt tensinor pullie bearing which is a 5 minute job. How many miles is on the water pump 100k?

starliner 61 · 12-09-2008, 05:53 PM

Modern water pumps don't squeal so much, just leak.

12GO · 12-09-2008, 06:49 PM

try rubbing lightly some Joy dishwashing soap on the belt. Very lightly!

southgeorgia · 12-09-2008, 07:04 PM

thanks for the replies. i'll look at replacing the tensioner bearing and see if it helps.

the water pump has the same mileage; that was the original belt. i think the actual mileage is about 108k.

Dwatted Wabbit · 12-09-2008, 07:06 PM

Too loose.

starliner 61 · 12-09-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwatted Wabbit

Too loose.

These vehicles are equipped with an automatic belt tensioner. Not possible.

Also, keep in mind that this vehicle has a separate A/C belt and tensioner. You must replace this belt as well, which was not specified in the OP. If you have not, it may be the source of the squeal. This belt also has a separate tensioner assembly that is problematic with these engines.

southgeorgia · 12-09-2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starliner 61

These vehicles are equipped with an automatic belt tensioner. Not possible.

Also, keep in mind that this vehicle has a separate A/C belt and tensioner. You must replace this belt as well, which was not specified in the OP. If you have not, it may be the source of the squeal. This belt also has a separate tensioner assembly that is problematic with these engines.

danggit!

i didn't even think about that. and i saw the durn thing while changing the serpentine belt.

gabe5410 · 01-02-2011, 06:42 PM

changed a/c belt week and a half ago still skweaking why?