99 Astro Van AWD belt squeal

[grampsVVV]

My 1999 Astro Van had sat for a couple months. When recently started, the belt squealed and smoked a bit (stuck/frozen pulley?). It runs fine but the belt squeals. A/C blows cold so the A/C compressor's not shot. Definitely needs the belt, but .... Alternator? Advice?

Thanks a bunch.

Gramps.

[94&92Astro]

Originally Posted by grampsVVV

My 1999 Astro Van had sat for a couple months. When recently started, the belt squealed and smoked a bit (stuck/frozen pulley?). It runs fine but the belt squeals. A/C blows cold so the A/C compressor's not shot. Definitely needs the belt, but .... Alternator? Advice?

Thanks a bunch.

Gramps.

I would take a close look at the tension pulley--if that fricken spring gets weak or the pulley start wobbling a bit, the sqealing starts. Also change the belt if you go this route. Really an easy fix as they are available at most auto parts places for reasonable money. If your belt sqeals it is a cause for concern but if it smokes it is a cause for immediate attention.

[grampsVVV]

Originally Posted by 94&92Astro

I would take a close look at the tension pulley--if that fricken spring gets weak or the pulley start wobbling a bit, the sqealing starts. Also change the belt if you go this route. Really an easy fix as they are available at most auto parts places for reasonable money. If your belt sqeals it is a cause for concern but if it smokes it is a cause for immediate attention.

Thanks. I ended up changing the belt, idler pulley, water pump and alternator. Runs like a charm (tho' the Check Eng. light is still lit??). Turns out the alternator was frozen! Good catch - 133K miles and running strong!