Before I had my belt replaced my car only squealed whenever it rained or whenever there was any kind of moisture in the air. It would stop squeaking whenever i accelerated though. I was told that my belt needed to be replaced so I got it replaced on Monday. After that everything was fine, it actually rained that day and my belt didn't squeak! I was so excited. But then on tuesday, it started squeaking again and now it is squealing! But this time it is squealing only when i accelerate. I took it to a GM dealer to have it "diagnosed" for $80 to find out that they THINK it might be the belt tensioner, which they can replace for $134. Does anyone KNOW for SURE what is needing to be done so that I don't get charged so that they can replace a part that isn't even causing the problem? It is a 1999 Oldsmobile Alero 3.4 V6
2006-12-22 04:03:51 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Do you think it is really the belt tensioner that is needing to be replaced?
2006-12-22 04:05:20 · update #1
Most definitely the tensioner. It is the only component that adjust the tightness of the belt. It is spring loaded and has a roller (called an idler) that uses the spring tension to push the roller aginst the belt and keep it tight. If the sring starts to lose it strenth you get squealing and premature belt wear. The quoted price is a good deal as well.
2006-12-22 04:09:51 · answer #1 · answered by shifty67 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, your engine has what's called an Oldsmobile squirrel cage. I4s has have 2 cages, V6s have 3, and V8s have 4. Your car has 3.
If you don't feed the squirrels on a regular basis, they try to embarass you into feeding them by squealing, and they hate the rain...
I'm only kidding. When you had your belt changed, you definately should have had your tentioner changed too. Being under tension for 7 years is a long time for anything. Go back to where you had the belt replaced and have them install a new tensioner for you.
Mechanics always say they 'think' because to be honest, there are likely causes, but you never know for sure until you check. As an example, if the date on the milk is past, you can assume that the milk is bad, but you won't know for sure until you open it up and either take a swig or a big wiff.
Your tensioner is no different. 99% of the time, that will be the problem, but you won't know until it is removed. In the meantime, make the argument that they should apply the $80 you already paid to the replacement. If they don't, find another reputable mechanic to do the job for you, and don't ever go to that dealership for service again.
Hope this helps.
2006-12-22 04:24:58 · answer #2 · answered by Lemar J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is most likely the belt tensioner. This could easily be why your old belt was squeaking.
You need to replace this belt tensioner. It is failing and not keeping enough tension on your serpentine belt. If you don't, the new belt will slip, causing it to glaze. The glazed belt surface will cause it to slip even more, and you will need to replace the belt again.
If you replace the belt tensioner, there is a good chance that you will never have belt troubles again for as long as you own the car, as serpentine belts can easily last for more than 100,000 miles.
If you don't replace the belt tensioner and the belt fails, you will be stranded as you most likely have only one serpentine belt running all of your accessories including your water pump, power steering, alternator, etc. You need to remove a motor mount and jack up the engine to change this belt. Not something that you can do on the side of the road.
2006-12-22 04:39:08 · answer #3 · answered by Mad Jack 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hate to say it, but most new engines the tensioner is what keeps the belt set at the correct tension. Older cars you had to keep adjusting them manually as the belt stretched.
It sounds like the tensioner is not keeping the proper tension anymore and needs to be replaced. Not a fun job on that car, and not a bad price if you ask me.
Happy Holidays
2006-12-22 04:11:11 · answer #4 · answered by shovelkicker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a certified car nut, and all the answers you have recieved are correct so far. Yes, that is a real good price for that tensioner too as that is roughly what I paid to have the one replaced in my 98 olds aurora. Good luck.
2006-12-22 04:19:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that's probable a belt. in the adventure that your automobile has extra suitable than one belt and that all of them look tight and in sturdy shape you could initiate the engine whilst that's chilly and rev the engine somewhat with the intention to reason the belt to squeal for a pair of 2nd then close the engine off and touch all the pulleys and notice which one is warm that often is the only that is slipping. be careful the pulley can get warm genuine speedy.
2016-12-11 14:18:06 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember you are a female, they will do everything possible to try and beat you of your money and the problem will still be there. It's time to get rid of the car before it turns in a major problem in the engine. I have a mechanic that has a good heart i know he would fix in one day with a guarantee included.
2006-12-22 04:43:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and a bad belt tension,r will cause this to happen,its just not taking up all the slack in the belt,,that's whats causing this to happen,and it will have to be replaced to stop the sound your hearing,,i have done a lot of those before,,its not that bad of a price that they gave you on it,good luck hope this help,s.,,have a good x-mas.
2006-12-22 04:10:24 · answer #8 · answered by dodge man 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
thats exactly wut happened to my camaro...yeah it is the tensioner, im bringing my car in on the 30th but not to get it replaced just to get it tightend. its the most embarasing sound ever!!!...so if or when u go back ask to c if it just needs to be tightend
2006-12-22 04:17:14 · answer #9 · answered by alex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋