Serpentine belt question

I have a 98 WIndstar with the 3.0L engine in it (u in vin #), I have tried 2 different sepentine belts, changed idler pulley, tensioner pulley, water pump and still have the chirpping noise. When I installed the new belts the noise did quit for a short time and then returned. Yesterday I did the old soap trick and the belt stopped jerping. One belt was a cheaper )reilys belt and the other was a carquest cheaper belt (they say it is a Gates belt).

Has anyone had this problem on the taurus, if so what was the solution??
What brand belts are the best???

Thanks in advance,

I posted here since the windstars are mainly 3.8 engines and very little is known about the 3.0 engines there.

My initial response was going to be to check the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor and synchronizer to see if that's possibly the source of the chirping. However the things you've tried that seem to make the chirping go away temporarily would tend to suggest it's not in the CMP sensor.

Are you absolutely positive the belt routing is correct? Is there a build up of rubber in any of the grooved pulleys? If so, clean the build up out.

-Rod

My initial response was going to be to check the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor and synchronizer to see if that's possibly the source of the chirping. However the things you've tried that seem to make the chirping go away temporarily would tend to suggest it's not in the CMP sensor.

Are you absolutely positive the belt routing is correct? Is there a build up of rubber in any of the grooved pulleys? If so, clean the build up out.

-Rod


I am sure the belt routeing is correct as I have a factory manual showing the routing diagram. I will have to check for build up on the pulleys. Thanks for the tip. On doing a search someone suggested flipping the belt 180 degrees and see what happens. I will try that also.

Let us know what you find. I've never thought to flip the belt so it runs the opposite direction. That's a pretty good idea.

-Rod

Let us know what you find. I've never thought to flip the belt so it runs the opposite direction. That's a pretty good idea.

-Rod

Sorry it has been so long to respond. I have flipped the belt 180* a couple of times since. The first time it stopped chirpping for a short time, second time a few days ago it did not help stop the chirpping. Today I took the second belt off and installed the first belt I purchased and it made no difference. Presently it squeals constantly to the point that it is embarrassing to drive. The power steering does growls a little but not as bad as in the cold. ( i have done the baster flush several times) Looking at the pulleys I have noticed that the grooved pulleys are shiney which to me inticates a slipping belt. The noise is RPM sensitive. I am thinking of either getting a used or new belt tensioner. What do you guys think. Presently I can not afford to just thru money at it. I have already replaced (water pump, tensioer pulley, idler pulley). Also a/c on or off makes no difference.

thoughts, thanks

A tensioner will probably do the trick. Have you tried pressing on the belt to see how much give is in it? If there was a misalignment issue the belt would probably be slipping off. While the belt is off I'd suggest you spin all pulleys to see if there is one that has roughness to it. Maybe you have a worn idler pulley or other bearing that is so dry it makes a squeal noise.

-Rod

A tensioner will probably do the trick. Have you tried pressing on the belt to see how much give is in it? If there was a misalignment issue the belt would probably be slipping off. While the belt is off I'd suggest you spin all pulleys to see if there is one that has roughness to it. Maybe you have a worn idler pulley or other bearing that is so dry it makes a squeal noise.

-Rod


thanks shorod for suggestions, I have turned the pulleys, like I stated the only pulleys not new are the power steering and a/c. I was going to test the belt to see how much give but forgot it. Quess I will have to try a tensioner. I will let you know the results.

Check the crank pulley for wobbling? If so, replace it and the belt. Keep in mind that a pulley alignment issue won't always cause the belt to jump off. Also check the a/c pulley. If you can manage to spray a small mist of water on the pulleys one at a time you can narrow your problem. When you find the pulley that you sprayed causes the noise to temporarily go away then that is your starting point. Remember that it could still be an alignment issue at that pulley.

Than noise has got to be irritating lol. I would bet money on the tensioner as well, it's as good a place to start as any. Also read about the water trick, I was not aware of that one. Serpentine belts by their design do not squeal too much like tje single belts of the past. That tension pulley is suppose to prevent that from happening. Or as someone else suggested you may have another component that is not spinning as freely as it should. Let us know.

Good Luck

UPDATE: Finally purchased a Dorman tensioner from NAPA $44 w/tax, installed and have not heard a noise since. Nice to drive the vehicle without everyone hearing you come down the steet.

I'm glad to hear you got the noise solved, and thank you for taking the time to post your fix!

-Rod

Now if someone can come up with a "fix" for the noisy Ford power steering pumps.........