Hey guys, I have a 2000 pontiac grand am and everytime it rains it develops a squealing noise, is this normal or do you think this belt might need to be replaced, i didn't see any wear on the belt when I looked at it, just wondering if this is normal and if its ok to drive with a squealing belt
2007-05-06 04:21:15 · 12 answers · asked by Matt S 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Your alternator has to work a little harder because you turn on the wipers, lights, and heater when it's raining.
Change the belt. It's slipping on the alternator pulley.
2007-05-06 04:29:39 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
If you have not changed the belts, you may want to consider it. Even if you do not see any signs of wear it does not mean that the belt is fine. it could have some oilly residue on it that is causing some slipage, it could have some glazing on it which will allow it to not grip. the rain is asking as a catalist simply because the mosture in the air is making the metal pulls wet. if there is oil or glazing on the belt it will slip until they all dry out. Belts are cheap to fix and replace. Most shops can have it done in under 15 minutes if they have the belt in stock. other wise you can pick the belt up at the autostore and take it with you or if your capable, change it yourself. it's a pretty simple task. just pay attention. Belts run about 15 bucks. If you have more then one consider replacing them all at once.
2007-05-06 04:41:33 · answer #2 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what you consider "wear" to be. A glassy,shiny finish on the belt where it contacts the pulleys is wear. Wear due to the fact that the belt is too loose....if it is the belt.
Easy way to check, have the car sit at idle with a squealing belt and take some water and dribble it on the belt V so see if the sound stops.
Fix it.
A belt with too much play, will break on you as the friction of moving up and down while going around creates additional heat.
Maybe it is something else, like a belt tensioner???
Any noise out of normal is liken to screamingb"HUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM"
2007-05-06 04:41:29 · answer #3 · answered by ButwhatdoIno? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Matt, Be sure your serpentine belt tentioner is within spec.. As they age the internal spring weakens. Spray the liven daylights on the inner surface of the belt with silicone spray. That usually quiets it down. If that doesn't do it toss on a new belt and double check the tensioner. It take a fair amount of mussel to pry one open with a boxed end wrench or a wratchet wernch if it fits (thry wsually don't) The easiest way to remove a serpentine belt is with a belt tensioner bar / socket removal tool.
With the motor off push and pull the belt at it's widest point. The belt should only move 1/2 inch or less. If its more than a half an inch toss the tensioner. Dorman makes good ones. Stick with GM parts, no Auto-zone motor parts please!
Good luck!
2007-05-06 04:54:31 · answer #4 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are a couple things that can cause belt squeal... one, even if the belt looks good, it can be worn smooth to the point where it has lost its "traction" so to speak. then it's like a bald tire on asphalt in the rain. so it squeals. the other is, you might have a weak tensioner assembly, its spring loaded, and it's designed to last about as long as the first belt lasted. it's a good idea to replace the tensioner when you replace the belt. if the belt is not held tight to the pulleys by the tensioner, it will squeal. good luck!
2007-05-06 04:35:34 · answer #5 · answered by gearhead 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You probably have a bit of glaze on the belt, and the moisture when it rains is just enough lubrication to allow it to break free and squeal. Of course when it does squeal, it causes friction, which causes heat, which causes glazing of the belt...
So, even if you don't see wear, replace the belt and take care of it in a NON-emergency situation.
2007-05-06 04:28:39 · answer #6 · answered by oklatom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Squealing fan belts are aggravating. If the belts are tight and still make noise, try buffing the inside of the pulley grooves with a green Scothbrite® pad. The abrasive pad gives the fan belt a more positive surface and should eliminate the noise. It’s also a more permanent solution than just shooting the belts with WD-40.
2016-05-17 04:29:25 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to use a fan belt spray lubricant. If it doesn't work for after several days then you might need to replace it. It's ok to drive in that condition for a while but the noise is disturbing your comfort. In the long run the belt will be damage and the fan will not working, this will influence your engine performance.
2007-05-06 04:38:12 · answer #8 · answered by nazjaya4 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The squealing is caused by slight misalingment of two of the pullies. As long as it stops after drying out, there is no problem.
2007-05-06 04:35:48 · answer #9 · answered by Ron B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your belts a bit worn or loose, the rain is lubricating it causing it to slip. its ok to drive as is but its just annoying sound. go get yourself a new belt
2007-05-06 04:31:45 · answer #10 · answered by ckdxr 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋