Hi everyone, great forum you got here :thumbsup:

I have a 98 GMC Z71 with a 305 with a constant belt noise problem that I have had since I bought the truck...years ago. I can replace the belt then in about 2 weeks the squealing noise is back. (The noise is really bad in the winter months.) I replaced the tensioner and another new belt the next time and I got the same results. My thinking now is the noise is in the idler pulley. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks,
Bruce

If you can change the belt and it goes away I wouldn't think it was the idler pully. If it is squealing now I would try taking a wire brush while the truck is running and verrrrrry carrrrfully!!!! brush the pullys and the inside and outside of the belt and see if it goes away.

Ah...Your thinking the belt is slipping on the smooth side as opposed to the bearing in the pulley? The back side of the belt does have wear marks and gets them pretty soon after the new one is installed.

Anyone else have a theroy?

Thanks Again

Check the alignment of the pulleys, then like above mentioned, use a wire brush and CAREFULLY and lightly brush the pulley to belt mating surface, then spray the pulleys down with WD-40 while its running, the squeel/squeak should go away.
While you got the WD out, wouldnt hurt to spray ALL the hinged on the truck, ie doors hood tailgate.

Well I think you are on to something DetroitMuscle. We checked the pulley on the power steering pump and compared it to the instructions in the manual and found that the pulley is in too far by about 1/8". There was also a technical service bulletin released in 2000 about this problem. I'll post the results after we fix the leaking intake manifold issue next month.

Thanks,
Bruce