Belt Dressing

Is belt dressing something I should be interested in?

My 97 Taurus has some .... unusual squeaking coming from the belt area, like they need to be lubed. I don't know how to describe it exactly.

You can try silicon spray or a soap bar (there is belt dressing available out there also). If this eliminates your problem for a while and your problem reapears, then you probably need a new belt. Silicon you can spray as your motor is running (be carefull and aware of the moving parts), as for the soap, when your motor is off, rub it on the inside (V grooves) of the belt.

Denis

I agree with denisb except I would only try the soap, if that doesn't work install a new belt.

I have a similar problem on my 01 taurus. Here is a little tidbit of info while replacing the belt. I read that in some cases a thin film of gunk can build up on the idler and tensioner pully's ( the two non grooved pully's). I can actually see the film o my pully and scrape it with a screwdriver.This film will cause a chirping sound. When replacing the belt, clean off these two pullys with some carb or brake cleaner and a nylon brush. Then install the new belt. Also, belt dressing is bad stuff. Dont use it. It was fine for the old v-belts, but it can make noise on Serp. belts. I used some on my car, and the sqeak got worse. Used silicon spray and it is silent instantly for about a month. Now i just have to get off my ass and change my belt and clean the pullys.

I took in my car-- it turns out the bearings busted in my alternator :( I'm replacing it this week.