Anyone changed their serpentine belt out? Mine squeals when I shift at high RPM's... Will changing it fix that?

 

I have been thinking about this also...granted my belt only has 11k miles on it but it is the one from the factory 33 months ago.

I have been hearing good things about the gatorback belts...going to order one sooner or later. Just have to verify the length which I think is 103in in my case. Just going to be a PITA with the air intake right in my way. Might as well open up the intake hole while I do the belt.

 

I've been wondering about the same thing. It looks tight to get access. Mine dosen't need changing yet, but when the time comes I wonder if there are any tricks. Are there any other tricks that anyone can think of for regular repairs on a 4.6L. Coming from working on a 351M to a 4.6 is like working on the space shuttle.






2008 Ford F150 XLT reg. cab 4.6 2wd Towing package
1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT 351M Trailer Special, Free Wheelin' package

 

I replaced mine with a gatorback belt. It's really not a big deal to do. To improve access, just remove the factory intake system.

 

I did replaced mine with a gatorback belt 2 years ago.about 45 minutes job,and please don't buy the cheap belt go with goodyear gatorback.
good luck

 

For the time between now and when you change out your belt, if you take a stick of chalk and while the engine is running hold it to the belt this will quiet things a bit. I had a 95 f150 that had a belt that squeeked once in a while and a ford mechanic told me to do that and it would usually work for a few days.

 

Don't forget to clean those pulleys when you get the belt off. At times the gunky/rubbery build up on those pulleys will be a culprit behind a squeal or hum coming out of the engine compartment. I usually keep a brass or steel wire brush on hand to run around the pulleys real quick followed up by a quick degrease and drying-off.

 

Also good advice.

I know on my 98 I have gone thru about 4 belts in the 111k I put on it, it is at 144K now, and seems it will not squeal unless I have it floored. Used to think it was just because the AC was on but it would squeal on shift regardless. Never went over the pulleys with anything...makes me think if I had I would had to use only 3 or maybe 2 belts. Then again the South Texas weather is not exactly friendly for most things. Just thankful I don't have to put up with de-icing chems/salt eating up my trucks.

 

Had to replace my belt at 68,000. I replaced it with a Gates Rubber one, dont remember the model. I also had to replace my alt due to a bad bearing.