have a 2000 ofrd taurus - serpentine belt squels - I see no cracks - what do I do?

Answer 1

Replace it. A 7 year old belt has run its useful lifespan.
To those that recommend soap or a "belt dressing, that's fine for "regular belts, however not to be used on serpentine belts.

To Mike, did you know that wearing headphones while driving in most states is illegal

Answer 2

It is not uncommon for a serpentine belt to squeal long before cracks appear in it as an indicator of age.

There are three things you can do to address this. The first is a sort of cheat, but it works pretty well most of the time. This involves buying a can of belt dressing and spraying it on the belt while the engine idles. This belt dressing increases the belt's grip and helps to prevent slippage, which is what is making the belt squeal. Note: if you use this approach, it is important to get the dressing on the grooved side of the belt, so you need to pick a place where you can situate the can and your hand safely as you apply the dressing. Also try to avoid getting it on other things as best you can as it is sticky.

The second approach is to change the belt, which is really not very hard to do on a Taurus. If you do this, buy a dealer belt, even though it costs a little more. I have found most of the after market ones really do not last very long, or seem to fit quite properly.

The third thing to check is the belt tensioner. The tensioner idle pulley is a spring-loaded device that applies pressure to the wheel on the idler to take up slack in the belt. As the spring gets older, it does not apply enough tension and allows the belt to slip sometimes, and Ford is notorious for building belt tensioners poorly. I have had them break on Tauruses, Crown Vics and Aerostar vans that I have owned. The part is cheap, and no hard to replace while you are replacing the belt.

Answer 3

First of all if you havent replaced the belt go ahead and get a new one. better safe than sorry. Then when you have the old belt off spin all of your pulleys and make sure that the noise isnt coming from one of them. Fords are notorius for having idler and tensioner pulleys go out. And as far as the soap that only works for a few minutes. Temporary fix. I sell auto parts for a living and the most you might be looking at is 50 or 60 dollars. Then if it still squeals then you know you have a more serious problem.

Answer 4

With age belts become "glazed" instead of being real flexible
they develop a slick surface. Instead of gripping the pulleys
the begin to slip, and this causes the squealing noise.

Another possibility is the belt tensioner has lost its strength
and is not keeping the belt tight enough.

There are a few other reasons that could cause it, but if it is a
2000 and still has the original belt I suspect it is simply "old"
and needs replacing....

Answer 5

Try this---Spray belt (while running) with WD-40, i know it sounds crazy but it not only works but keeps belts like new. Spray belt at every oil change and it will never show any wear>

Answer 6

check the idler pulley bearing it goes bad and makes a squeal sound,also check the belt tensioner might be weak , if belt is not tight enough it will make noise

Answer 7

take it in it coould be missing some teeth. You do not want the belt to crack and break while driving. You will do more damage if you do not have it checked now.

Answer 8

Change it as cracks may not appear but the belt may be totally worn...

For other more information....an excellent site below.

Answer 9

Double check it is not a pulley (Bearing)
Replace belt and see if goes away.
Keep old belt for spare.(in Trunk)

Answer 10

either something is binding it or yu got anti freeze on it (which will rot it ) does it squeal with a/c off?
and once a serp belt has glycol on em they never will quit making noise .