Annoying belt squeak...

The sound happens only when I start to decelerate and when I'm moving. I've tightened the belt tension with no luck. I've tried revving the engine by the t.b to try and pinpoint the exact source, however it won't make the sound unless the truck is rolling. I'm thinking to try and re-tighten the pulley itself. Any thoughts or like experiences? Thanks.

 

if you cant replicate it without it moving, is it a belt? maybe suspension?

 

That's what I'm thinking... I do have a leaky front shock, the sound really doesn't happen going over bumps and what not.

 

your bearings on your tensioner pully might be bad. thats what it was for my tacoma. got a new one, changed it out and its been fine ever since.

 

Cool, thanks for the input.

 

Yeah it only ran about 40 bucks too

 

I'd try a new belt; then you'd have the one as a spare.
Under-The-Hood Harmonics

• All sounds that are audible to the human ear have their origins in some vibrating surface. For example, intermittent chirping that increases in frequency as the engine is revved up can be the result of belt vibration caused by misaligned drive pulleys -- a leading cause of belt noise. As a misaligned V-ribbed belt span enters the grooves of a pulley, initial contact is made with only one side of the V-groove. The greater the misalignment angle, the greater the radial sliding length experienced by the belt ribs as the belt seats in the pulley causing frictional vibrations, or chirping (see Figure 1).
  Figure 1
  Radial sliding motion of V-ribbed belt.
  Low belt tension, contamination and belt vibration are other common sources of belt noise. A screeching or squealing noise that occurs when pulling away from a stop normally indicates a lack of tension; check belt tension and automatic tensioners.
  A tapping or grinding noise caused by a pebble imbedded in the belt is a common occurrence. Grinding sound also can result from damaged bearings, which must be replaced, aligned and lubricated to eliminate the noise and further damage.
  Vibration and noise can develop over time as drive components such as pulleys and spring tensioners wear out of tolerance, as bearings and brackets loosen, or as belts wear and stretch.

Diagnosing The Problem
In ongoing studies at the Gates Belt Testing Laboratory in Denver, engineers have gained the following insights to noise resulting from misalignment:

1. <LI class=copy>Chirp noise caused by drive misalignment occurs upon entry of the span into the pulley as belt ribs seat into the pulley grooves, not as the belt exits. <LI class=copy>Belts are less likely to generate misalignment noise when they are in new condition. As belts wear in, they develop a smooth, glossy surface which increases the likelihood for noise. This wear-in process is accelerated when misalignment conditions exist in the drive. <LI class=copy>The angle between belt span and pulley is the critical factor responsible for causing the "chirp" associated with misalignment noise. Misalignment angle can result from many different combinations of pulley positions -- parallel and angular are two ty pical examples (see Figures 2 & 3).
   Figure 2
   Parallel misalignment.
   Figure 3
   Angular misalignment.
   <LI class=copy>Misalignment noise occurs most frequently on the shortest spans in a drive, most often between a backside pulley and an adjacent accessory pulley. Proper pulley alignment is particularly critical in these locations. <LI class=copy>Flat or crowned pulleys have no grooves to guide the belt and can be a common source of drive misalignment. <LI class=copy>Smaller diameter pulleys exhibit less sensitivity to misalignment noise due to their smaller area of sliding contact between the belt and pulley. <LI class=copy>Misalignment noise is generally loudest at idle speed and diminishes with increasing engine rpm, often vanishing altogether above 2500 rpm.
2. The presence of high humidity (or a damp belt) often increases the likelihood for misalignment noise to occur.

In The Shop
Whenever a vehicle owner complains of belt noise, Gates says it is important to determine the type of noise and under what circumstances it occurs. A solution to a noise problem caused by drive misalignment is not likely to resolve a slip noise problem th at may be caused by insufficient tension or some other problem. Find out if the problem is more noticeable in the morning while the engine is cool (cool, damp belt). Is the noise loudest at idle speed, or when accelerating or shifting gears (rapid changes in engine speed can cause a belt to slip)?
Next, attempt to recreate the problem in the service bay. Using a spray bottle filled with water, mist the belt lightly. If the noise level recedes for several seconds, then returns louder, a misalignment problem is likely. If the noise immediately increa ses after the belt is sprayed, slipping is likely.
If the water spray test is inconclusive, or not successful at diagnosing the problem, attempt to remove the noisy belt and re-install it so that the belt runs in the opposite direction. Because misalignment noise is influenced by the direction of misalign ment in the drive, flipping the belt around in this manner will eliminate or significantly diminish (temporarily) any noise caused by drive misalignment. If the noise remains unchanged, the problem is not likely related to drive alignment.
In actual applications, the highest occurrence of belt noise due to misalignment comes from short belt spans entering large diameter pulleys. Service technicians are encouraged to look for the source of noise wherever these conditions exist.
Also, look for replaced drive components, such as a rebuilt alternator, which may have been improperly installed resulting in pulley misalignment.
Corrective Action
Failure to correct conditions responsible for belt noise will result in the problem returning, usually within 3,000 miles or less.
If the problem is drive-related, depending on the degree of misalignment, it may be possible to modify the noise level by installing a new belt with noise-resistant properties.
Gates engineers have developed new elastomeric compounds that are noise-resistant under various environmental and wear conditions. These new belts feature additives that enable them to slide easily into and out of the pulley. This low-noise construction h elps to eliminate belt noise from most misalignment situations.
In the case of severe misalignment, repositioning of drive components using shims, or by changing the press fit of the pulley or the shaft, may be required. Pulley alignment and tension must be correct on all V-ribbed belt applications for the drive to operate properly.

 

just bought a 2009 Toyota Tacoma SR5, with 119,000 miles. I am the 3rd owner.
the serpentine belt (accessory drive belt) area of the underhood has a high pitched squeal.
Belt Dressing will quiet the noise for a while. Noise not related to AC compressor operation, nor to acceleration of the vehicle, nor cold start operation.
Belt does NOT appear to have cracks (old age problem).
Typically, is this a Belt or Alignment or Bearing or Tensioner problem ?