Belt squeal after it rains

[l_eclipse_l]

Hey guys I'm new to the forum, just wanted to post up a quick question.

I have searched this site a few times on this subject, and I have yet to find an actual fix for it. Heres my problem.

Anytime that it rains or is damp out, even if my car is sitting in the garage when I start it, the belt squeals really bad for some reason. I have had the problem checked out numberous times by different mechanics, and they tell me they don't know what to do. I have replaced several belts (can't remember which ones), and also had them tightened more than once.

My question is: Has anyone come up with real solution to the squealing, after replacing and re-tightening belts? I also tried that stupid belt dressing shit, and it makes it worse. I know this is a common problem, but have seen no real solution. Please let me know if you tried something and it ACTUALLY WORKED. Thanks.

P.S. I drive a 99 GS with 60,000 miles.

[metalhedskater]

might wanna try the belt squeek lubricant you can get at autozone...but i really can only thing of one problem....your belts need to be retightened....take it to a mechanic that actually know how to put a belt on our cars....I had the same problem and the fix was the belts needed to be tightened.....Good luck!

[l_eclipse_l]

Thx for the suggestion. I had been taking it to a Dodge/Chrysler dealership where my dad works, because the closest Mitsubishi dealer is 45 min away, and my N/T has a lot of Chrysler blood in it anyway. Also I noticed that the squealing does die down after awhile of warming up, but never completely goes away. Just thought I'd mention that.

[RADMANX]

It may not be your belts. for a while my car would squeek during rain/damp weather and would go away after driving for like 2-3 minutes. it continued on like this until the squeek would not go away. now every time i am idle i hear this loud metal on metal shreak. turns out my main (Ac/powersteering) belt TENSIONER is going bad and the dealership wants $125 for a new one. fuck them.

[Harder Faster]

If you've tried changing and tightening your belts and that doesn't work, try your pulleys (alternator, powersteering pump, AC).

I had the EXACT same problem. The squeeking would happen whenever it rained or was moist outside, but would seem to go away when the car heated up.

You have to listen real closely and find out where exactly the squeeking is coming from.

[wuman82]

Yea, I have the same problem. I have tightened the belts and it still squeeks. Don't really have the money to get all the belts replaced, and it looks too complicated for me to do it myself. Sigh...

[96spyderman]

I just put a new alt. belt on last fall and I have retightened it twice.... It won't go any further.... It squeels when it's cold and even when it warms up and I have the heat/fan on it causes it to squeek...my headlights dim a nit till the squeeking stops.... I think a new Alt might be the answer.....

[DSMNerd6889]

I had a problem with sqeaky belts, and it was the exact opposite of what most of you guys are saying. My belts were too tight. You might check the specs in a manual and see how much play you should have in your belts. Just a thought.

[ashah000]

Its a DSM thing. I just deal with it, it does not hurt the car sure it can get annoying, but I don't care. Probally cause my exhaust is too loud and I can't hear it but thats another story

[kjewer1]

Too tight and you reduce the life of the bearings in the accessories and put a higher side load on the main crank bearings. Too loose and it will squeal and deteriorate. The trick is to find that happy medium, as loose as possible without slipping.

Just changing the belts wont help if the pulleys are all crudded up with old belt shaving and last months belt dressing Clean those bitches off with brake cleaner, then install factory belts (some aftermarkets really suck, they strech by the time thermostat opens up), and tension properly. If that doesnt do it start looking into bad bearings in pulleys or accessories themselves.

[RSLaser]

First off, figure out which belt is squeaking (there are 3). Then if its the belt for the altern. tighten it at the alternator. If its the belt for the water pump, then there is only 1 tensioner you can adjust. Rotate the tensioner (the bolt isnt in the center kind of cocked to one side).

[bighauns]

I have had bad experience with the spray on lubricant stuff. It deteriorates the belts hardcore. If there is an issue with sqealing, don't just cover it up with the spray, fix the issue. I also had that issue and I found that it was the alternatory pulley, and the nice thing is I had a new alternator on the way and that fixed the problem.

[lynb362002]

I found that my splash guard underneath the belt area was missing. Caused squealing when it rained and splashed up on pulleys.