Belt Squeek problem 1996 S10 CHEVY

[1996CHEVYS10PROB]

I don't know alot about cars and would like to know how to fix a squeeking belt on my 1996 Chevy S10 2.2L engine pickup. The belt squeeks the worst when at idle but has gradually been getting worse. When my foot is not on the accelerator it makes the most noise. Do I have to replace the whole belt tensioner or is there a way to tighten the tension? The belt itself seems fine because the bottom of the belt is not glazed or worn. Someone please tell me how to fix it or tighten it, I'm just not sure

[Bads Crew]

You can try a spray can of belt dressing. If that doesn't stop ot replace the belt. It cound be getting hard, Cold weather and road film and dirt can cause it ti squeak or slip. There is no adjustment for the tension pully. I have replace one on my Chevy Van and I think it cost like $40 if I remember rite.

[Cam1959]

I've heard a bar of soap can help.

[eti engineer]

Belt dressing will make it worse after a while. The noise will go away, but then it will return even louder and it only takes about a day of running for this to happen. I have the same problem on my 4.3.

One thing I have found that works well is to spray the belt with WD-40 while it is not moving. Spray the ribbed inside part and the outside that rides on the tensioners. The belt dressing gets hard and pasty after a bit of running and makes things worse, but the WD-40 makes the belt soft and pliable again and requires fewer applications. In fact, my experience has been that after a few app's, the belt stays quiet.

I tried replacing the belt, but the new one did the same thing after being on for only a day or so, so unless you are due for a belt change (50,000 miles or so) save your money.

Later

eti engineer

[dmbrisket 51]

dont use soap, i dont care how good it works, keep your farking hads away from the belt, and dressing can be dangerous if your tentioner is weak, ive got a full can at the shop, minus about 5 squirts, 2 of the 5 sent the belt just a wingen wherever thehell it felt like goin

[rlith]

Yeah, just check for proper movement on the tensioner and replace the belt.

[jmagerl]

You could hear my 96 s10 from 2 blocks away. Use some belt dressing to determine if the belt is at fault but this is only a temporary fix. Get a new belt to permanently fix it. Some belts are noisier than others. Check out Goodyear Gatorback belts. THey speciffically mention reduced noise. The belt I removed looked perfectly fine. It didn't even have the little cracks you get in the ribs of a serpentine belt. Quiet as a lamb now.

http://www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com/cars/gatopoly.htm

[dmbrisket 51]

goodyear is a damn good belt

[blazee]

A lot of people have had problems with the Gatorbacks. I used to like Dayco, but their quality has slipped the last few years. Now, I recommend Gates.

[dmbrisket 51]

some belt systems are designed for the cross hatch (gator back) style belt, and some are designed just as a stright rib, when you miss match them for your spicific application is the problem

[blazee]

The people that I was talking about used the right one for their S10 or Blazer and it came apart. I've heard of the belts coming apart in many other applications as well.

With all the S-series owners that have had problems with them, it would be risky to use one.

[dmbrisket 51]

hm, guess i should knock on wood, never had a problem with a good year belt in any application

[blazee]

No need to knock on wood...... just carry a spare.