Small squeal upon acceleration.

Ok, so I recently switched out my serpentine belt (82K miles) because it was squealing regularly. Problem fixed. Fast forward to a few weeks later, and I'm starting to get a subtle squeak under the hood (sounds like it could be more towards the driver's side) when accelerating. It's usually more prominent during warm up, but it definitely only happens when accelerating. If I let off the pedal, it stops. Any ideas? Not sure if it's a pulley, bearing, or what? I haven't had the chance to get someone to sit in the truck and accelerate for me while I listen.

 

How long ago did you put that belt in, and did you have greasy hands when you did? If so, try spraying the belt (when cold) with some brake cleaner, that'll take off any oils that might still be there.

Could also be a bearing going out on the alternator, but thats much less likely.

 

Nope, no grease, but I'll try spraying it down to see what happens. In the meantime, any other ideas?

 

I think a greasy belt and a bad bearing on an accessory throwing a bearing are about the only things that are gonna cause a squeak like that. You don't have a 6spd so the TO bearing problem isn't one for you.

You're sure this isn't brake squeak you're hearing right?

 

Tensioner not tight enough? Can you push the belt lightly and it flexes? You shouldn't have too much flex when you push it... it should be be quite tight.

 

Yep, definitely not the brakes.

Briangp, I'll check the tension this afternoon.

 

Just getting around to finally checking this. No grease on the belt from what I can see. How much should the belt flex? I can press on it, and it flexes inward a little ways, but it's still pretty tight. The squeal is pretty regular now, and usually lasts for the first 5-10 minutes after cold starts.

 

Did you figure this one out yet? I am still dealing with this problem. I replaced all 3 idler pulleys and tensioner pulley as well as a new Dayco belt and still had noise. I am back to my Toyota belt the dealer installed last March and noise is temporarily gone but I am sure will be back in days or less.

So at this point I am thinking Alternator or maybe the power steering pump? there is nothing else except AC, water pump, & crank shaft.

Could pulleys be out of alignment?

 

could be too much power