Engine Squeal

BruceBruce · #1 10-07-2005, 01:26 AM

Hay everyone. My truck recently started to squeal when i started it up. It sounds like myabe the fan belt or something. It usually only happens when its cold outside and i havent started the car in awhile. It usually goes away in a couple seconds, but sometimes it stays tell i drive like 10ft forward. Anyone know what it is?

#2 10-07-2005, 08:58 AM

I used to have the same problem. It's the one of the fan belts more than likely. My problem was a little more serious though that a loose belt. My harmonic balalancer started coming apart thus causing the belts to rub and get loose. After a while it started breaking belts. But hopefully yours is simply a loose belt.

hupptoy · #3 10-07-2005, 09:15 AM

It is most likely your alternator belt that is loose or needs replacing (how old is it?). It squeals at start up because it is trying to recharge the battery from the drain of the starter.

hupptoy

BruceBruce · #4 10-10-2005, 03:35 AM

I dont know how old the belts are? I got the truck in March and it only had 35k on it and its a 2001. Its at 45k. How can i tell if the belts are loose or need replacing? I pulled on the fan belt and it felt pretty tight. Ill try pulling on the alternator belt. Are these hard to replace? I have a little experience with cars. Like i can change oil and stuff, i've installed a TBS, and ive helped my friend do his water pump on his ranger and other stuff to his truck and jeep. Just wondering if you think i can do it heh.

hupptoy · #5 10-10-2005, 10:30 AM

They are probably the original belts (I had mine changed at 100K w/the timing belt). They are not too bad to change, but if you are unsure about how tight they should be, then you may want to leave this for someone else to change.

I have found that the flat ribbed belts seem to be more sensitive to the correct tightness vs. the old "V" style belts.

I just wish Toyota would have used a serpentine belt with a tensionser on these engines as that would have made it much easier...

hupptoy

#6 10-10-2005, 12:45 PM

Looks for any cracks in the rubber on the belts. If you see cracks, it is time to change the belts as this is a sign of wear. Sometimes it is hard to notice the cracks unless the belt is off and you flex the belt the opposite direction.

BruceBruce · #7 10-11-2005, 12:56 AM

Ok, so a friend and I were looking at the belts after we went for a run. Which is kinda of random i know, but we were just talking about my truck before i left. He sprayed some belt lube or something like that on it. I think it helped a little. I did find out that the alternator belt is not as tight as the fan belt. It gives a little more than the fan belt. How much do you think it would cost to fix it or get it fixed? I've never had this done so im kinda new to that.

0stepside3 · #8 10-11-2005, 03:20 AM

It shouldn't be too bad if you change it yourself, just the cost of the belt.. I wouldn't think the belt would be anymore than $20... The only good thing about it not being a serpentine belt is that it won't cost you $50+ for the belt... But if you take it to a mechanic, there's no telling what they'd charge you just to replace the belt.. I'd have to look at my engine to tell you how to go about replacing it

BruceBruce · #9 10-12-2005, 03:25 AM

Ok after using the belt lube it seems to be squealing more. I think im just ganna have it checked out and buy my own parts for a shop to do it since i have no clue how to do it and i dont know of any instructions on it when i get my next paycheck [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]. Sucks not having enough money when i need it lol. Stupid poor college students lol.