Squeal

[Jeff44]

I have been hearing a squeal noise coming from my engine but only when the Rpms reach 3500-4000. I'm thinking that it is my belt tensioner. When I replaced my belt, should I have replaced the tensioner?

[Trojan Horse]

Originally Posted by Jeff44

I have been hearing a squeal noise coming from my engine but only when the Rpms reach 3500-4000. I'm thinking that it is my belt tensioner. When I replaced my belt, should I have replaced the tensioner?

Probably, the idler bearing may be on its way out or it is losing its tension and letting the belt slip.

[dreamstang]

sometime you can spray down suspect pulleys around the bearing. if it stops squealing then u know for sure.

[Jeff44]

Ok I will give it a shot. Thanks guys.

[Jeff44]

I changed my idler tension and my car still squeals when I reach 3-3500 Rpms only. I tried the old soap bar trick on my belt and that didn't work. Any info would be appreciated, thanks

[Trojan Horse]

Maybe you have a bearing going bad in the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, smog pump or it could be the AC compressor clutch?

[Jeff44]

Wonderful, lol. How can I test to rule out each one

[dreamstang]

like i preiously stated. if you shoot some wd40 or equivilant into the bearings on each pulley one at a time. if it stops squeeking then you know which one it was. if the noise is internal, then you can stick a long screwdriver on each part one at a time cupping our hand and listening through the handle. but i prefer a mechanics stethiscope.

[Jeff44]

Ok thanks. I will do that.

[Trojan Horse]

Originally Posted by Trojan Horse

Maybe you have a bearing going bad in the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, smog pump or it could be the AC compressor clutch?

Originally Posted by Jeff44

Wonderful, lol. How can I test to rule out each one

1. Alternator, Water Pump, PS Pump, Smog Pump - Use the screwdriver or stethoscope (CAREFULLY) as suggested by dream. Another way is to remove the belt and turn the pulley by hand and "feel" for roughness or hard turning.


2. AC Compressor Clutch - Have someone activate the AC on & off a few time while you stand and watch and listen to the clutch engage and disengage.


Note: Being able to use a listening device such as the screwdriver or stethoscope takes some practice. Listening to a well running engine first at various points will enable you to better determine if something is wrong when using the tool to diagnose an issue. I make it a point to try and go over my engine on occasion during oil changes or other maintenance procedures with my stethoscope just to familiarize myself with its "normal" sounds, so if I do need to use it to diagnose an issue I am better able to identify any strange noises.