squeaking belt/pulley

[fadedout]

Something along the belt seems to be squeaking/squealing. I first noticed this problem a few thousand miles ago, when it would be a little noisy while still cold. You'd only hear a squeak every second or two when revving/accelerating while cold. Then it would go away. So I changed out the belt (the previous belt seemed to be in fine condition), and that totally alleviated any noises for a few thousand miles. The noise has now come back with a vengeance, gradually. It now makes a pretty loud squeal consistently.

I've come to the point where i'm thinking about just replacing the tensioner, right/left pulleys, and possibly another new belt while i'm at it.

Any advice on how to locate the source of this menace? Or maybe the possibility of replacing just the bearings in the pulleys... I recall reading about this being done before.

I'm not sure that this is totally related, but i've recently noticed that one of my right door speakers seems to have gotten quite 'static-y' while the engine is running. Was never an issue before.. Maybe this bearing is causing some sort of electrical interference, if thats even possible.

 

[FASTTECK]

I've come to the point where I'm thinking about just replacing the tensioner, right/left pulleys, and possibly another new belt

I'm not sure that this is totally related, but i've recently noticed that one of my right door speakers seems to have gotten quite 'static-y' while the engine is running. Was never an issue before.. Maybe this bearing is causing some sort of electrical interference, if thats even possible.

Replace the pulleys, tensioner and belt.

The bad bearing is not causing electrical interference at your door speakers

 

[Cozy41EF]

Take the belt off, and turn and feel each of the idlers. I had one that felt wierd. Bought a whole set from Will Tillery and swapped them all out. Now it's as quiet as can be.

 

[Atree]

Also possible to remove the tensioner and replace only the bearings.
Just a thought.
Also , depending on mileage/hours on tensioner, try roughening the surface of the tensioner pulley with emery cloth. I suggest this only because you mentioned that the noise went away breifly after belt change...different surface harmonics.just another thought.

 

[Le shed]

First the bearing in the tensioner pulley will start to fail but from my experience once you get to this state you are about 3 months away from having to replace the tensioner. Mine did exactly the same thing. So just change the whole tensioner assembly now and save a second visit. Needless to say you might want to change the other pulley bearing now too.
Bill B

 

[FASTTECK]

Quote:
Originally Posted by fadedout

I've come to the point where I'm thinking about just replacing the tensioner, right/left pulleys, and possibly another new belt

I'm not sure that this is totally related, but i've recently noticed that one of my right door speakers seems to have gotten quite 'static-y' while the engine is running. Was never an issue before.. Maybe this bearing is causing some sort of electrical interference, if thats even possible.


Replace the pulleys, tensioner and belt.

The bad bearing is not causing electrical interference at your door speakers
__________________

 

[flyfisher11]

Take the belt off, and turn and feel each of the idlers. I had one that felt wierd. Bought a whole set from Will Tillery and swapped them all out. Now it's as quiet as can be.

Roger that! X2 on ole brother Will!

 

[fishEH]

Grab a stethescope and track it down. If you determine its the bearing on the tensioner, you can replace just that for about $10. I've done three, two are on trucks still using them, one is in my spare. Easy job.
*the above is for a D1
*put your vehicle in you signature line

 

[brianhoberg]

depending on your mileage, just replace your tensioner and pulleys. It's cheap insurance for being stuck dead on the side of the road with a busted serp because you had a pulley seize and explode under the hood.

 

[fadedout]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Its a DII with about 50k miles, and no ACE. Seems kinda unlikely that I have a stethoscope laying around. I read about using a huge flathead screwdriver so I might try that if I can avoid snapping off some fan blades trying.

I'll hand spin the pulleys when I get the belt off, but I ended up just ordering a new dayco tensioner, 2 genuine pulleys, and a goodyear gatorback belt. I don't really want to have to go back in there and mess with stuff again. And like a few people mentioned, a busted tensioner/pulley and shredded belt on the side of the road doesn't sound terribly appetizing.

 

[fishEH]

Seems kinda unlikely that I have a stethoscope laying around.

Your local auto parts shop has them for around $10. You wouldn't want to examine anybody with it but for tracking down noises on your truck they're nice.

 

[fadedout]

Just in case someone on here has done the job before, just wanted to double check before I go hacking away at things...

Bolt holding the belt tensioner on is Left-Hand threaded, correct? What about the bolts holding on the idler pulleys?