I've got a '99 Chevy Cavalier RS. Twice now I've heard a squealing sound from under my hood. It appears to be coming from the serpentine belt. Both times it has squealed it's been raining out. After it stops raining and things dry off there is no squeal. Should I assume it's now time to have the belt replaced? Also, does this sound like something simple enough for the local mechanic or do I need to spend the extra money and have a dealership do the work?
2007-01-05 00:43:20 · 9 answers · asked by 10-96 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
dont use belt dressing it usally doesnt work anyway i dont use soap as the rain will wash it off i use a colering crayln the squel is caused by the water on the belt if you feel a need to replace it dont get the cheep belts get a good one gates or goodyear i dont think autozone sells them they only sell cheep parts that dont last verry long carquest has gates as does napa
2007-01-05 01:29:47 · answer #1 · answered by mobile auto repair (mr fix it) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the same thing as when your sneakers squeak on a tile floor after coming in from the rain. Your belt is wet and is slipping just as your shoes slip on the floor causing the squeak.
Think of it this way... you can walk carefully and eliminate the squeak from your shoes on the floor by lifting your feet and planting your feet without sliding your feet. But is it really doing any harm or need for alarm?
Replacing a serpentine belt is NOT difficult. I've replaced several myself and the only tools needed were a wrench set and long handled screwdriver. There is usually a diagram under the hood that shows exactly how the belt goes on and how it is supposed to touch each pulley. There is a tension pulley that you simply put a wrench on and pull and it gives you enough slack to get the belt on. Time it takes: less than 10 minutes including cleanup. Once you do it yourself, you can feel the satisfaction of knowing you did something most people can do but never do just because they've never tried it. Give yourself a New Year's confidence boost and do it yourself!
Check the current belt for any cracks or wearing. If you see any, I would recommend replacing it. If you do not notice any wear, don't waste your time or money replacing it just yet. Just because your shoes may squeak doesn't mean you need new shoes!
2007-01-05 01:10:59 · answer #2 · answered by PerfectlyOK2BImperfect 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your car has a spring loaded tensioner for the serpentine belt wich automaticaly keeps the belt tight as it ages and stretches. You could have a belt that has streteched so far that the tensioner can't keep it tight or the tensioner could could be going bad. The belt is easy to replace just need a wrench or 3/8 drive ratchet depending on design.The tensioner if its bad is a little more involved.The best way to tell is grab your belt while the car is not running and pull it straight up then let it back down if the belt tightens back up the tensioner should be good just replace the belt, but if the belt has a lot of slack then that means the tensioner is weak and should be replaced .
2007-01-05 02:16:20 · answer #3 · answered by countryboy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have the belt replaced if it's still the original belt. Life of these items is usually about 4 years and a good peace of mind thing to replace periodically. Any competent technician can change this item.
2007-01-05 00:47:58 · answer #4 · answered by wrenchman1995 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i worked in a dealership for 3 yrs it sounds like your serpentine belt is the issue if the side of the belt with ridges in it looks dry ad cracked thats it. if you can see any metallic colored specks in the belt or rust colored spots these are all indications your belt is in need of replacement. most are under 30$ and can be replaced in under 30min
2016-05-23 05:39:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
look at the inside of the belt. if its real shiney or cracked replace it. If it looks in good condition check for tightness. Parts stores also sell belt dressing or you could rub the belt with soap...no kidding
2007-01-05 00:57:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
moisture in the air reduces friction between the wheels and the belt. if you choose to replace it, any mechanic worth his salt can do it; but it's your choice. just remember, no serpantine belt means no AC, no power steering, and NO WATER PUMP. no water pump means engine overheats and can cause REAL damage.
2007-01-05 00:46:13 · answer #7 · answered by Dashes 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
buy the Haynes manual for it and change it yourself , it's too easy. some of the pulleys may need to be polished with emery cloth or other fine sandpaper (no lower than 220) to remove the crud buildup.
2007-01-05 03:29:21 · answer #8 · answered by sterling m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is lose
2007-01-05 00:45:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋