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2003 Chevy Malibu Squeaking


liamh17
03-20-2017, 09:13 PM
Hello!

I have to admit, I am fairly new to working on cars, but I do have plenty of experience using different tools, machines, etc as I was a member of an FRC robotics team for four years.

To start, I've replaced the belt itself in my 2003 Chevy Malibu LS, yet the squeaking continues. It's most prominent while accelerating, yet there is still a slight squeaking noise when the car is not accelerating (it can be hard to notice, but it's there).

I've purchased a new belt tensioner, and I'm looking to replace the old one. Are there any other fixes/modifications that should be done or considered?

In addition to this, where is the not only the best, but safest spot to jack up the engine after removing the engine mount and should oil/grease/lubricant be added to any part I add in the future (idler, pulleys, etc.)?

: 2003 Chevy Malibu LS
: ~107,000 miles
: 3.1 L engine, 6 cylinders

Thanks!

Tech II
03-20-2017, 11:03 PM
You have to remove an engine mount to replace the belt? I don't recall this....it's possible, not all 3.1's are the same...

But if you ever have to jack the engine up a little, just put a piece of wood like a 2X6, under the oil pan between the floor jack and the pan....

Pulleys should not have to be lubricated.....

Usually, you just release the tensioner, and the belt comes right off..........remove the belt and start engine...is the noise gone? If yes, could be a cracked belt, bad idler pulley, bearing in alternator, A/C clutch pulley, w/p bearing, etc....

Actually, before removing belt, start car.....if it is squeaky at idle or slightly higher rpm, spray some silicone on the belt.....if the noise is gone, it's the belt...

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