Kerry Lange
PCS Member
I've been having problems with a squealing alternator belt off and on for the past year. It began last spring when I replaced all of the belts on the car. So much for preventative maintenence. At the same time, I replaced the alternator with a new one that I'd had laying around for a few years.
The squeal initially occured only on startup when cold, but has now graduated to pretty much any time I start the car and lasts for ten to fifteen seconds. It is definitelly the alternator belt, as it doesn't occur when I remove the belt.
I've done everything I can think of including putting the original alternator back on, sanding the pulleys, replacing the belt twice with both cheap, non ribbed belts, expensive ribbed ones, and finally, the original one. I've tightened the belt as much as possible, but cannot solve the problem. All pulleys are in alignment. I had considered replacing the fan clutch, but am hesitant to drop another $70 for nothing, as it appears to be functioning as it should.
Please don't suggest belt dressing, as I've learned from past experience that it makes a mess of the engine and hood insulation and is only a temporary fix.
The squeal initially occured only on startup when cold, but has now graduated to pretty much any time I start the car and lasts for ten to fifteen seconds. It is definitelly the alternator belt, as it doesn't occur when I remove the belt.
I've done everything I can think of including putting the original alternator back on, sanding the pulleys, replacing the belt twice with both cheap, non ribbed belts, expensive ribbed ones, and finally, the original one. I've tightened the belt as much as possible, but cannot solve the problem. All pulleys are in alignment. I had considered replacing the fan clutch, but am hesitant to drop another $70 for nothing, as it appears to be functioning as it should.
Please don't suggest belt dressing, as I've learned from past experience that it makes a mess of the engine and hood insulation and is only a temporary fix.