Hello everyone,

Need some help bigtime. I'm puzzled. I put on a new belt (OEM) under a year ago because it started squeeling. Well it's squeeling again. Belt is still tight so I can't see how it could be the tensioner. Belt still looks new. What Am I missing?? Thank you all

 

98 F150 4.6L 4X4 120K miles

Thanks

 

Usually with a serpentine belt that squeels the only way to cure it is to replace it and clean all the pulleys. It doesn't take much dirt on them to cause problems. While you have the belt off check the pulleys to make sure they are straight and that they turn smoothly.
Don't use belt dressing on a serpentine belt because it usally makes the problem worse. Sometimes a shot of WD40 will clean the belt enough to stop it from squeeling.
Most people on here will advise against doing that but it does work sometimes. If the belt is going to be replaced anyway you don't have much to lose by trying that. Just make sure that if you spray any WD40 on the belt and then decide to replace it later that you clean off the pulleys well with brake cleaner.

 

Tahnk you racerguy. I'll give it a try. About the brake fluid... amechanic told me to use brake fluid to ease squeaky belt not dressing. So I started to use brake fluid and it works for a couple weeks, then squeaking again. I did this for a couple of months and have now noticed that there is a build up of crap on the idler pulley and possibly other pulleys. Thanks again

 

as you noticed the lubricant is a short time fix. i have tried another method. spray laundry detergent on the belt and pulley and wash with water. let it run to dry. sometimes a very good cleaning will make the squeek go away. i have tried the WD40 method and it is short lived. a complete cleaning is a better bet.