belt tensioner pulley squeaking

fastmonkeywheel · Jan 26, 2007

Last winter my belt tensioner pulley was squeaking so I bought a new one and the problem went away. Then this winter it started squeaking again, normally just at idle until the car warmed up. Starting last week it's squeaking all the time. If I spray some silicone lubricant on the tensioner pulley from behind it stops momentarily. I'm sure I can replace the pulley again, but man I don't want to replace it every winter. Any ideas?

HISSIN50 · Jan 26, 2007

Double check the pulley alignments. If one accessory is cockeyed a little bit, it can cause Deliverance noises. The issue is exacerbated when it's cold out.

Good luck.

glowstang93 · Jan 27, 2007

I oiled mine and it got to the point that I think I got some on the belt too. I changed back to an old belt that I had and the squeak went away. The tensioner is a sealed bearing so it doesn't make since that oiling it will work, but it does sometimes.

Mine is cool for now, except when the moisture level is really high. Like when its rained for days or I've driven through some nice size puddles that get water up on the belt.

Is there a fool proof solution? I really don't think so

86bluecobra · Jan 27, 2007

the squeek could also be a worn out belt. The grooves in the belt could be worn to the point that the squeek you hear is actually a slipping belt.

fastmonkeywheel · Jan 27, 2007

It's possible but when I changed the pulley last year I changed the belt too. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. I might get a new pulley AGAIN, and maybe a new belt. Pisses me off though.

86bluecobra · Jan 27, 2007

are you getting grease errr silicone only on the pulley? are you sure you are not getting some on the belt and it is quieting down?

glowstang93 · Jan 27, 2007

I have also noticed a difference in tensioners from different suppliers. The Gates has a metal pulley, but the Dayco has a plastic pulley. On my 4 banger I had better alignment with the Gates tensioner. You just have to check and see which one your local auto parts places have.

fastmonkeywheel · Jan 27, 2007

Well I guess it warmed up enough today that it's not squeaking any more. So replacing it now wouldn't actually solve anything.

89bluecobra: I'm almost positive it was only getting on the backside of the pulley. I used one of those small straw things that came with the silicone spray.

I think a better quality pulley might last longer. Then again, the cheap ones are only about $10.

HISSIN50 · Jan 27, 2007

If you have doubts about your serp belt, getting a new one isnt a bad idea. It's nice to have a spare in the trunk (your old one).

As Blue and others noted, they do glaze up (especially after using belt dressings, unfortunately). The cold temps exacerbates this (I'm so glad they got away from V-belts. Those things used to howl like crazy).

For a quick test, next time it's gonna be real cold, you could take your belt inside overnight and install it before your first start-up. If the warm belt doesnt allow the noise, the belt is a good bet.

belt tensioner pulley squeaking

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