'98 Taurus - Belt Squeeling?

[mcconnc]

This just started happening 3 days ago, but when I start it in morning, after about 3 seconds of running, a high pitched squeeling happens for about 4 seconds, then stops. It doesn't happen again until I start it again the next morning. Is this the belt squeeling? I replaced the belt in September of '04. Could it just be loose and need tightening, or maybe some other problem? Any help would be appreciated. I have limited mechanical abilities, but I think enough to deal w/ this without going to a shop. Thanks!

[shorod]

Did you put a Dayco or Goodyear belt on it? If so, it's probably the belt. You may also have a bad self tensioner, or a A/C compressor that's starting to fail. Do you have the A/C or Defroster on when you have been starting it recently? If so, try starting it with the A/C/Defroster off and see if the noise is still there.

On your '98, the belt is kept tensioned by a self-adjusting tensioner (I believe) so you cannot tighten it per se.

-Rod

[mcconnc]

Originally Posted by shorod

Did you put a Dayco or Goodyear belt on it? If so, it's probably the belt. You may also have a bad self tensioner, or a A/C compressor that's starting to fail. Do you have the A/C or Defroster on when you have been starting it recently? If so, try starting it with the A/C/Defroster off and see if the noise is still there.

On your '98, the belt is kept tensioned by a self-adjusting tensioner (I believe) so you cannot tighten it per se.

-Rod

Thanks for your reply Rod. I'm not sure what type of belt was put on. I started it this morning with the AC/Defroster off, and it didn't squeal at all. I did replace the AC compressor and clutch hub assembly in September '04 as well.

I'm going to continue to start if w/ AC off, and then try after a few days w/ AC on to see if it does it. If it doesn't do it again, do you think I have anything else to worry about? What could potentially happen if I don't do anything to it as long as I don't hear the squeal again? Thanks.

[shorod]

Since the squeal goes away after 4 seconds or so, unless your A/C system is really low on refridgerant, you probably don't have a seized compressor as I implied in my first reply (I re-read your original post). Chances are pretty good that the added load from the A/C compressor is causing the belt to slip and squeal.

Does the belt seem to have proper tension on it? Try pressing on a span of belt between two pulleys with one finger. If you get more than 1/2 inch of deflection without much difficulty, your tensioner is probably bad and needs to be replaced.

I would bet though that you'll find the belt is glazed and just needs to be replaced to fix your squeal. Look over the engine real well though near the belt. If you have any oil leaks, coolant leaks, or other leaks that could be contaminating the belt, get them fixed otherwise any new belt will begin to squeal (or break) prematurely as well. A modern serpentine belt should last more than a year and a quarter.

-Rod

[mcconnc]

Rod-
I checked it out tonight. The belt has proper tension, well less than 1/2 inch of deflection. The belt does appear to be glazed, and is pretty smooth, with no fabric type material left on it. The inside grooves of the belt look fine to me, and I don't see any cracks anywhere. There are no visible leaks of any kind around the belt. Sounds like belt should be replaced given the glazing.

It sat today while I was at work for approximately 11 hours, and I started it with the defroster off, and no squeal. If I don't replace it, and continue to start it with defroster off, is there any type of damage I can do to anything? There is absolutely no squeal at all when starting w/ defroster off, and when I turn defroster on, still no squeal. As you can tell, I'm having a hard time with wanting to replace this belt after less than 1.5 years! Thanks for your help!

Chris

[shorod]

I doubt you'd have any problems if you don't replace it, but it's really hard to say. The fact that the belt will slip given certain loading conditions means that it could slip when you load the electrical system as well, such as driving at night with the headlights on. It may not slip enough to cause an audible squeal, but enough that over time it will wear down and eventually through.

If you do decide to replace it, I'd suggest going with a Kelly-Springfield or Gates belt. Both of those seem quieter than Goodyear belts and less prone to stretch than Dayco belts.

-Rod