97 Escort-squealing/chirping noise...help!

[flattop]

Hi everyone. I hope you can help me out with this VERY annoying problem I'm having with my '97 Escort LX. About a week ago an intermittent noise from the passenger side of the engine began. It appears when the engine is cold, and often (but not always) gradually dissipates. It sounds like a belt or pulley malfunction....it's a squeaking/chirping noise that increases in frequency as RPM's rise. It is now quite loud and embarrasing. I had it in at my mechanic's garage last week but of course by the time I got it there the noise had stopped. He started the car again a few hours later and heard it a little bit but couldn't identify the origin. All he could do (due to time constraints) was try some belt conditioner...the noise did not reappear while he had the car nor on my way home...but when I started the car up this morning it was back. It's not bad at idle but as soon as you move it's loud. This car has about 62,000 kms on it (I'm in Canada). Any leads? Timing belt? Pulleys? Thanks in advance!

[GTP Dad]

The belt conditioner was a temporary fix. Replace the serpentine belt and the noise should go away totally. The belt is probably glazed and is slipping. You may want to spend some extra money and buy a new tensioner while you are at it. Hope this helps.