Belt noise
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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Belt noise
Hello,
I have a squeeking/chirping coming from my drivebelt, that occurs most of the time. Especially when the weather is hot and often when it is damp. Mechanics have said that the problem is common and cannot be fixed. I would like to eliminate it though and there must be away since not all 5.0L vans make this noise.
It is a 91 E-150 and has a single drivebelt.
Thanks a lot!
I have a squeeking/chirping coming from my drivebelt, that occurs most of the time. Especially when the weather is hot and often when it is damp. Mechanics have said that the problem is common and cannot be fixed. I would like to eliminate it though and there must be away since not all 5.0L vans make this noise.
It is a 91 E-150 and has a single drivebelt.
Thanks a lot!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 299
Likes: 2
From: central valley California
Ford has came out with a TSB on this condition and it requires the replacement of the idler pulley if i can remember this right. what happens is the pulley wears down and becomes glazed this causes the noise when hot and on warm days. I know that Napa Auto Stores sells the pulley an it is a fairly simple swap out. The mechanic telling you that it is common is correct but he is incorrect there is a fix..check the pulley at the Tensioner/idler for wear. That is the most likely cause and the most common.
Happened to my pops 87 f 150 with 302 and his 91 'Stang .
Happened to my pops 87 f 150 with 302 and his 91 'Stang .
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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I'll tell you right now, replace the belt and the whole tensioner assembly, including the idler pulley. Then spray the pulleys with belt dressing.
That is the only way I know of to permanently (or at least a very long time) get rid of the squeek. IF that does not get rid of it, you must have a bearing going out on one of your accessories, or a pulley alignment probelm.
That is the only way I know of to permanently (or at least a very long time) get rid of the squeek. IF that does not get rid of it, you must have a bearing going out on one of your accessories, or a pulley alignment probelm.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
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From: Running Springs CA
A new pulley and belt dressing did not fix it for me. Damp weather is worse. Mine does not squeak all the time, only during warmup. A similar system on the Ranger/Explorer 4.0 does not have this problem.
Jim
Jim
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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The tensioner is the most important part of the fix. If you need to, get a belt tension gauge and check it. If it anywhere near the minimum, get the new tensioner. Check the tensioner range gauge on the front of the tensioner. If the little arrow (on the outside top edge of the aluminum casting) is to the right (as you face the engine from the front) outside of the RANGE indicator, replace the belt. If this description is confusing, see chapter one in a haynes manual (belts- replacing).
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Junior User
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Thanks to everyone. I will look into replacing the tensioner and belt. Probably wont be able to open the hood till this weekend though. This forum is great.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Billings MT
CAUTION: The bolt that holds the idler pulley on should have LEFT hand threads. Most people are unaware of this.
Just a heads up.
A bar of soap will quiet it down too if it is the belt.
Just a heads up.
A bar of soap will quiet it down too if it is the belt.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: WA
Originally posted by jbalestri
CAUTION: The bolt that holds the idler pulley on should have LEFT hand threads. Most people are unaware of this.
Just a heads up.
A bar of soap will quiet it down too if it is the belt.
CAUTION: The bolt that holds the idler pulley on should have LEFT hand threads. Most people are unaware of this.
Just a heads up.
A bar of soap will quiet it down too if it is the belt.
The tensioner bolts on the block with a right hand thread. Just the pulley is left.
Last edited by kennyrrt; Sep 30, 2003 at 05:57 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: peoria, az
Have you checked the alternator to see if this is where your squeak is coming from? Check the tension like fishin said first. Ford put marks on the tensioners to let you know when the belt was stretched beyond limits. Remove the belt and spin your pullies. You will have to listen closely to hear any squeaking but should be able to tell which one it is. I have seen a lot of tensioners replaced only to be followed by an alternator. The squeak they emit is almost identical.
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
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Had the tensioner and belt replaced at the dealer two months ago - problem fixed. The belt dressing would quiet it down for a day or so, but the squeal would always return. Was told NOT to use it on serpentine belts at all afterwards.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Dededo, Guam
I am willing to bet that all of your pulleys are glazed like mine were. Get a new belt and some emory cloth. Take off the old belt. Now take the emory cloth and rough up the surfaces of all pulleys, be sure to get in the grooves of the grooved pulleys. This gives the belt a much better surface to grip on. Now all you got to do is put on the new belt. Do not use the old belt no matter how new it is. It is already glazed as noted by the sqealing you heard. The above method should cure your noise. It did for me.
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
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Just replaced the tensioner and belt on my 96 F150 big six. The tensioner was chirping like a demented bird. Fixed a problem that I have had since I got the truck 6 months ago. I would get a check engine light every now and then, always at idle and mostly when it was wet. Engine code was secondary air low, I think the belt tension was a little low allowing the belt to slip on the air pump just enough to cause the check engine light to come on. Thought I would throw this little bit of information out in case anyone else is experiencing this annoying malfunction.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 223
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From: York, PA
One more item that does cure this problem is the from the difference in the serpentine belts available on the market, (Dayco by name) has seriations cut across the belt allowing the belt to flex more in the serpentine pulley grooves stopping the squealing noise of the belt sliding down in the groove of the pulleys. This belt by name has stopped all of the squeals I have come in my shop. I am not saying the tensioner does not also need to be replaced, just that the belt does it for my customers, I have not replaced a tensioner for the belt squeal yet.
broken wire
broken wire