93 Probe belt problem (?)

[designanddebris]

hi, thanks for reading... i own a 1993 probe and have had a reoccuring problem that several mechanics have not been able to correct. first, my car seemed to be shredding serpentine belts, which i thought was the cause of the squealing sound i kept hearing. after having that problem taken care of, the squealing was still happening. it seems that whenever i turn the heat on or come to a stop, the battery gauge will go very low and start to squeal, causing all my dash lights to dim. after gassing it for a minute or two, the squealing will usually stop and the lights will regain normal brightness... at least, until i stop again. ugh.

i enjoy my probe very much, but i am a little tired of hopping from mechanic to mechanic without getting much of a solution. i've had everything tightened and diagnostics done... is there ANY other suggestion/solution that you guys have? any input is MUCH appreciated.

[xnoceda]

I have an 89 probe and it had the same exact problem.I took it it place after place it is the altenator belt that makes that noise.Now here is the kicker my power streeing pumps pulling was loose or coming off and that was causing the belt to shred.It wasn't lined up in the grooves of the belt it was swaying in and out causing it to tear.Hope i helped with the problem.

[designanddebris]

i just went to have the alternator replaced, and so far, everything SEEMS back to normal... i hope!! thanks for the info; sounds pretty much right on. again, thanks

[Howard81]

Originally Posted by designanddebris

i just went to have the alternator replaced, and so far, everything SEEMS back to normal... i hope!! thanks for the info; sounds pretty much right on. again, thanks

I am wondering if replacing your alternator fixed your problem. I have had the same problem for over a year now and the only thing the mechanic wants to do is replace the belt and then when that breaks within days they say it must be the alternator. I have had a new belt put on 4 or 5 times, new alternator 3 times, new water pump, new battery and still the same problems pop up after a few shorts days.

The last time I had it in a shop they had told me that it looked like the belt was burned off and I was wondering if your car had done the same type of thing (not a car person so I am not sure if this was the truth or just BS). Looking through all the post this same type of problem has popped up for a few different people and the only fix i seen for it was to get the belt tightened weekly, to me that doesn't sound too convient if it is an actual repair.

If anyone else knows what would cause this problem (besides alternator, water pump, bad belt, ect.), any help would be appricated.

[a1waytrip]

i have the same problem, did the alternator fix it? or was it just b.s.? thanks

[Marktheshark]

My son has a 94 Probe. Shredded alternator belt two days ago, I replaced it. Today he called, said engine was making a wierd noise. It ended up being what appears to be an idler pulley, perhaps it runs the oil pump, not sure yet. Anyway, apparently the pulley bolts were coming loose and they all sheared off losing the pulley and belts. Got three bolts out, the fourth is being a bear! My guess is, this is what caused the first belt to fail as someone else has stated.
Good Luck on yours!

[joshs93gt]

i had this problem on my probe (the belt shredding) and it was the harmonic balancer.

[shawnwilliams]

A new alternator should fic fix the problems. The noises come from and old alt can be bad and effect the overall car. With problems with that your entire electrical and battery dont work right and it creates more problems. And with the belts, the threads on your alternator to move it and get power are probably shot with are ripping your belts.