Belt problem

[david-b]

Hey guys.

I got my underdrive pulley installed a couple months back. About 2 weeks after the install, the belts started to squeak. I've tried tightening the belt (the alternator, power steering...) using the tension pulley located in the front of the engine bay with no avail.

I took in the other day to get my mechanic to fix it. He took out the cruise control, wedged the alternator, and tightened the bolts up. He also sprayed the belt with some oil or WD-40. It was beautifully quite. About 4 hours after that, I went out, and the belt started squeaking again. Not as bad, and not as constant. Now, it's back to the same squeaky as before. I tried spraying it, but that didn't work.

The tension pulley located at the front of the engine bay is missing the bolt that adjusts the tension. The bolt that goes through the pulley is there and nice and tight. Could this be causing the problem? Do I need a bolt in there to help it hold better.

Car is NT. Thanks for your help.

[96spyderman]

Originally Posted by david-b

The tension pulley located at the front of the engine bay is missing the bolt that adjusts the tension. The bolt that goes through the pulley is there and nice and tight. Could this be causing the problem? Do I need a bolt in there to help it hold better.

That would be a good place to start....also when you say it's tight... how tight? tight to me is the belt won't turn more than 1/4 turn...



What belts are being used? Are they the stock belts or other...
I had problems with a squeeky alt. belt when I changed it out but with one from autozone.... it squeeked after a few weeks.... I went to dealership and bought an OEM belt and had NO problems after that....

[l_eclipse_l]

Why the hell is it that the belts on DSM's squeal so fucking much? I hardly ever hear any other car have a squealing belt, unless its a pile of shit that isn't taken care of.

These are not just single incidents. I think mitsubishi made some shitty tensioners or something, because this type of shit always happens.

I still have not been able to get the squeal out of my car, and its really bad when its humid or wet outside. Let us know if something works.

[RSLaser]

Im having the same problem with an aftermarket belt for my alt, its probably too tight but im hoping ill stretch it a bit. Anyway, try using some silicone lubricant spray, sprayed on the belts while the car is running. Rule of thumb, you can tell which belt is squeeling by when you shut the car off its hot to the touch.

[nova1313]

same problem belt squeel here. Just turn the stereo up another notch it's amazing the squeel goes away

[david-b]

The stereo is a good start, but it's annoying when pulling up to someone to race... "Hey man, your cars making funny noises..." Assholes.

Anyway, I even tried spraying it again, and its not working. They are brand new belts! Goodyear, I think. IDK what to do.

the spray i use works nice... its like stp belt spray, i picked it up in autozone, works like a charm....

[Prime First]

Originally Posted by l_eclipse_l

Why the hell is it that the belts on DSM's squeal so fucking much? I hardly ever hear any other car have a squealing belt, unless its a pile of shit that isn't taken care of.

These are not just single incidents. I think mitsubishi made some shitty tensioners or something, because this type of shit always happens.

I still have not been able to get the squeal out of my car, and its really bad when its humid or wet outside. Let us know if something works.

Exactly. The squeal that my belts make when it's wet/humid outside is just too damn annoying. And my mom's Galant squeaks too Anybody got any other solutions? I'll have to check out that STP spray that Smic is talkin about

[96spyderman]

That spray will NOT help.... maybe for a few days or weeks if your lucky....
As I posted earlier... try going to the dealership and getting an OEM belt... I did and my squeels went away!!!

[Prime First]

Originally Posted by 96spyderman

That spray will NOT help.... maybe for a few days or weeks if your lucky....
As I posted earlier... try going to the dealership and getting an OEM belt... I did and my squeels went away!!!

Good advice, spyderman. How much did that cost you? And what causes the squeal to come back after the spray?

[96spyderman]

I have tried two different types... and each time it helped for about a week and again the squeeels came back... Now this is from a brand new belt from autozone... I also tried different tensions on the belt... If you do a search this topic HAS been discussed a few times... hmmm the search function, why would someone use that? There are a few of the VERY knowledgeable people here who have said what I posted earlier in this thread...
Use the OEM belts and it will help ALOT. DSM's do have the problem of belt squeel, maybe just its trade mark noise... I don't know.

If your being a dick and contradicting me about the spray fine.. be that way. I am just trying to pass on my own findings along with others. If ya don't like it and/or don't agree with it... to fuckin bad.

To answer your question of "what causes the squeal to come back after the spray?"

I don't really know for sure... what I do know is that it is a compound that kinda softens the belt giving it more grip... I used to use it on my RC car tires for more traction when racing... cheaper than the "tire compound" and worked just as good.
When the belt squeels it heats it up and glazes the contact surface... I/myself.. have found it is just a temporary fix for an ongoing problem... just spend the $13 at the dealership for an OEM belt and try it out for yourself.... That's my 2cents

[Prime First]

Originally Posted by 96spyderman

If your being a dick and contradicting me about the spray fine.. be that way. I am just trying to pass on my own findings along with others. If ya don't like it and/or don't agree with it... to fuckin bad.

What the hell did I say to offend you? I was just trying get a simple answer to a question. You think me complimenting you on a good post is being a "dick head?"

[96spyderman]

sorry... I guess I took it the wrong way the way it was worded....
If ya asked about the price of a belt from the dealership... about $13... maybe it was $16... anyways.. worth the $$...
The spray was just a waste of money....no matter what ya pay... lol

[Prime First]

Originally Posted by 96spyderman

sorry... I guess I took it the wrong way the way it was worded....
If ya asked about the price of a belt from the dealership... about $13... maybe it was $16... anyways.. worth the $$...
The spray was just a waste of money....no matter what ya pay... lol

Thanks, that really was great advice. I was about to get the spray, but I'll just go to the dealership. Do they put it on for free?

[96spyderman]

lol.... no unless ya know them... really good...
Belts on a 4g63 arent that hard to do... the only crappy thing I found was between the wheelwell shroud and the pulley. kinda a tight fit... go go gadget arms... lol