Which Belt?

Hey, I am not a mechanic and know next to shit about my engine bay (was interested in learning in High School, but now that I'm up at college and my car is home it's kind of on a halt). I have a blet that is squeeling like hell, and no matter what belt or how many times it is tightened or loosened, replaced, it just comes back squeeling within a week. Now, I know many other people that have this problem, and I've heard that the OEM belt will correct the problem as it is slightly different than a belt a mechanic will throw on. My question is, which belt is this, and where can I buy one online (local mistu dealership went under). If your looking at the engine bay from the front of the car, the belt is on the left side of the block in almost plain view. Thanks in advance (car model etc is in my sig).

[david-b]

If you can see the belt, its the power steering and A/C belt. The other one which is smaller and sits way lower down is the alternator belt.

www.davidbonolo.com/420a.html

It should cost about $30-40 for the OE dealer belt. It could also be that the crank pulley is out of alignment. Is there an aftermarket crank pulley on?

[l_eclipse_l]

I think it was the serpentine belt that was causing my squeels, and I had a belt ordered from Mitsu and it turned out to be a Chrysler belt that they sent me. Took away the squeel for a few months, now it happens every now and again but not near to the extent it did before. I think the drastic temperature changes in Wisconsin have something to do with how it tightens/loosens and I will probably never completely get rid of it as long as I own the car.

From what I know, there are 3 belts on our cars. Serpentine, AC/power steering, and alternator.

[david-b]

Serpentine = power steering/AC.

3 Belts = Sepertine (PS, AC), Alternator, and timing belt.

It should be stock, as the only thing I know that is aftermarket is the exhaust. But thanks for the help guys. Hopefully this works, as it really sounds like shit.

Does anyone know where to get the oem belt? I've scoured the mitsu website and can't find anything.

[gthompson97]

I've had no problems with aftermarket belts squealing, there is either a belt alignment problem or something is getting onto the belt. I had one squeal like a pig for a week and came to find antifreeze dripping on a pulley and making it squeal.

[david-b]

When they wet, they sqeal a lot, or if the belt is slightly torn, like shreading. Belt alignment is a major thing though. That could be it. Just take the belt off and see what the deal is.

[l_eclipse_l]

Originally Posted by david-b

Serpentine = power steering/AC.

3 Belts = Sepertine (PS, AC), Alternator, and timing belt.

Ahh that makes sense.

As far as getting ahold of a belt, a Chrysler dealer should be able to order you one if you have one of those nearby since your Mitsu dealer isn't there anymore.