Skreeching Belt

[project_x]

I just replaced my altenator the other day and now when I start my car up the belt sckreeches loud for about 10 seconds then goes away. Anyone know why so I can stop getting crazy looks from people! lol I was thinking the belt is either to tight or to loose. Thanks!!!

[nine_deuce]

Just try tightening it. DO NOT use any belt dressing, oil, nothing.

[project_x]

How tight should I make it? I made it so there is just a little play but not much. I do not want to over tighten it to where it make break.

[nine_deuce]

I would just tighten it until the belt stops squealing. If it keeps squealing, it may be another issue. Just don't over tighten it. I'm not exactly sure how much play there should be in a belt, in terms of a technical measurement. I'd say probably less than a quarter inch??

[project_x]

I just thought it was weird how it goes away after about 10 seconds or so after starting it up. I guess I'll just try yo tighten it up tomorrow and see how it goes. If anyone else has any suggestions please let me know.I'll check back tomorrow before I go mess with it.Thanks nine deuce

[nine_deuce]

No problem.

I forgot to ask, is it cold where you live, by chance? Reason I ask is, tightening it may not solve the problem. If the belt is cold, its stiff and doesn't really roll with the pullies, then after a few seconds, it warms up and is more flexible.

Quick edit. I just saw where you're from, it's probably not cold... but just wanted to make sure??

[D1sclaimer]

My Chilton's guide says that there should be about 1/4" of play that you can move in the belt for every 7 inches of belt between pulleys.

I had some loud screeching too with new belts and tightening it up to that spec fixed it.

[92exa6]

My Chilton's guide says that there should be about 1/4" of play that you can move in the belt for every 7 inches of belt

At what force? Use the OE manual and a good belt tension gauge. I believe it's about 12mm @ 10lbs on the alt and 10mm @10lbs on th pwr str.

[MrSpeedy]

I've always used this as a guide on the belts, just twist the belt with your fingers from it's longest point and it should turn about 45degr. You don't need much force to do this. If it still squeels then try to tighten it abit more. I also had my belt squeeling like you said, 5-10s and stops. I've never used any exact measures on the belt and never have I snaped it in pieces. Ofcourse if you got the exact values for it and don't feel comfortable doing this then do it with the right values. Btw, are you sure it's alternator and not the P/S belt?

[project_x]

I have not changed my location but I'm in Sacramento and it is cold! I know its my altenator belt because I do not have p/s I will just try to tighten it a bit and see what happens. I'm pretty sure thats what it is. I'll post a update once I cure the prob.

[project_x]

Update: All is fixed! Just tightened up the belt a few turns and no more skreeching Thanks all!

[nine_deuce]

Perfect. I was just coming home from school today, the nut that holds the pulley on my power steering pump decided to fall off, the pulley is all cock-eyed and rubbing against my power steering module or whatever that is under my hood, had a nice little spark show from metal on metal. Suhweeet!

[project_x]

that sucks dude! fortunatly i don't have p/s

[Fleetw00d]

Keep in mind that a new belt will stretch some after initial installation and operation, so having to go back and tighten a relatively new belt is not uncommon.