Why do car belts squeal?

Your engine belts make a screech or squeal noise usually because the rubber belt is slipping on the metal pulley and just like your tires spinning on the road, this causes noise. The belt may be slipping due to improper tension or because it simply has gotten old and the surface has become glazed, cracked or brittle.

Why is my brand new belt squealing?

Belt or Pulley Misalignment

What is this? Belt or pulley misalignment is a common issue that causes changed serpentine belts to still squealing. Misalignment means that the grooves on your belt are not aligned with the ones on your pulley. It also tells that you shift the belt a bit in or out in one of the pulleys.

Can I drive with a squeaky serpentine belt?

That's why it's recommended that the serpentine belt is replaced early when the squealing symptoms are first noticed. Although it may be safe to drive with the squealing for a few days or weeks, the belt will eventually need to be replaced, and for safety, the earlier it's repaired, the better.

How long will a squealing belt last?

The good news is a serpentine belt can last up to 50,000 miles or five years, with proper maintenance, before it needs replacing. Heat and friction of normal use slowly wear down the belt before it breaks.

How much does it cost to replace serpentine belt?

A typical serpentine belt start at around $25 and goes up to $75 at most. If you know some car repair basics, you could change the belt yourself, and it may save you paying labor charges somewhere between $75 and $120. All together, you're looking at around $100 to $195 to replace your serpentine belt.

How to Fix a Squeaky Belt (figure out where the squeak is coming from)

Can a bad alternator cause belt to squeal?

An alternator's bearings can become worn and create noises, including a squeal. An alternator with worn bearings will likely produce an insufficient charge to operate the engine and charge the battery. To test for worn bearings, remove the belt and turn the pulley by hand.

What does a chirping belt mean?

Serpentine belt systems typically employ a spring loaded belt tensioning pulley and sometimes these can go soft. Chirping is a result of belt vibration. This can occur due to improperly aligned pulleys, damp or wet conditions, and/or belt glazing.

Why do I hear a squeaking noise when I drive?

Loose or worn belts are a common cause of vehicle squealing. An old or failing alternator can make squealing sounds. If your car squeaks or squeals while turning the steering wheel, it's probably the steering system. Brakes squealing is their friendly way of telling you it's time to get them serviced.

How often do you change a serpentine belt?

How often does a serpentine belt need to be replaced? Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

How do I know if my belt tensioner is bad?

One of the most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started.

Why does my car squeak when I first start driving?

What Makes Your Vehicle Squeal when Starting. Most of the time, the squealing is do to something called a serpentine belt. When you open your hood, it's the incredibly long belt that winds around multiple pulleys. It connects the crankshaft to other systems like the alternator, power steering, AC, and water pump.

Can a loose belt cause squeaking?

A Belt That Is Too Loose or Too Tight

A belt that is either too loose or too tight will often slip against the pulleys, causing the squeal. While the motor is running, pour water over the squealing belt. It the noise stops, it tells you the belt needs tightening.

What does a loose alternator belt sound like?

Squealing Noise when cold

This is mainly due to a loose alternator belt, which will become more slippery and wet when it is cold and create a high pitch noise when it slips on the alternator. If you have a high pitch noise when you start the car for a few seconds, it is definitely time to check the alternator belt.

Why does my serpentine belt keep squeaking?

Your engine belts make a screech or squeal noise usually because the rubber belt is slipping on the metal pulley and just like your tires spinning on the road, this causes noise. The belt may be slipping due to improper tension or because it simply has gotten old and the surface has become glazed, cracked or brittle.

Can I change my serpentine belt myself?

Automatic belt tensioners, standard in most cars now, make changing a serpentine belt a simple DIY repair. Follow the clear photos and step-by-step instructions and you'll be done in 15 minutes.

What happens if a serpentine belt breaks while driving?

If a serpentine belt breaks, a car won't be drivable and will have to be towed. If the engine runs without a serpentine belt, it might overheat as the water pump will no longer work. A broken belt can also damage other parts.

Is the timing belt and serpentine belt the same?

You can easily tell the difference between the two when you look at the grooves. A timing belt has horizontal “teeth” designed to fit the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshaft. A serpentine belt has multiple V-shaped grooves that run vertically along the belt.