V Belt replaced, squeaking six months later.. PS pulley?

Hi Folks

I replaced my V belt in May 2019 with a NAPA Gates belt. The issue then was squeaking at start up, then a few weeks later, squeaking all the time. I replaced the belt, and the squeaking went away. Bear in mind that the tensioner was replaced in 2018.

Now, in December 2019, the squeaking at start is back. Toward the end of this month, there is a squeak all the time.

I have a theory that I have had a bum pulley somewhere, and the brand new, really tight belt pulled on that pulley enough to shut it up temporarily. After time, the belt stretches a little, and the pulley is able to wobble.

The previous owner said that the power steering pulley was the culprit. I can verify this afternoon by taking off the belt and spinning the PS pulley.

I tried to use my iPhone to record audio around each pulley while running, but as you can see below, that was more or less futile.

If the PS pulley is bad, should I just replace the entire PS pump? They are not too expensive, it turns out, about $122-$144 from RockAuto for OE replacement.

Please feel free to:
1. dispel my theory,
and
2. critique my diagnosis plan,
and
3. suggest how to proceed if the PS pulley is bad.

Thanks,

video of noise here: https://youtu.be/UbFviO0xjxQ

 

You can also use a mechanics stethoscope to listen to the different pulleys. Just be carful while the truck is running.

Edited for typos

 

Ordered one.

Anyone else have ideas?

 

Have you tried belt dressing? Mine squeaks at start up only when it’s wet out. I haven’t tried belt dressing but has worked on other vehicles before.

 

http://www.daycoproducts.com/why-belt-dressing-is-not-a-solution-to-quiet-a-noisy-belt

 

When I tried belt dressing many years ago on a noisy v-belt (not a serpentine like on my Tacoma), all it did was make a mess. The belt *may* have gotten quieter for awhile but it didn't last for long. Not much help, I know. Try to pin down the noise with the stethoscope, then go from there.

 

If all the pulleys are not perfectly aligned , the belt will squeal.
Try to avoid belt dressing. It just creates a bigger mess.

A long piece of 1/2" hose works well for isolating noises. Hold one end up to your ear and the other end towards the noise.

 

https://youtu.be/AEUe6uKxTv8

 

Thanks, I do like that video quite a lot. The last time I sprayed the underside of the belt with some wuuder (water), the squealing went away, which, according to ChrisFix, means that the belt is the problem, and not the pulley.

I will have to try that again tonight to confirm.

Nice idea on the hose. I had not thought of that.

As for the pulleys not being perfectly aligned, I can check them, but it sure would be odd for them to be misaligned if none of the accessories have been replaced, wouldn't it?

 

It worked for me.
Got my gator grip on ebay

 

The harmonic balancer can "slip" and be out of position.

 

It is keyed to the crank shaft. How can it slip?

Slipping is unpossible unless the key is damaged or missing... I have heard of some cases where the rubber material has separated from the inner and outer metal parts and causes issues.

 

There's a rubber insert between the keyed part and the belt drive part.

 

"It"? What do you mean?

 

I’ve seen this happen before.. it was on a c7 caterpillar tho. It started walking off the inner piece and the driver noticed when it was against the fan.

 

Lol both.
The water trick, and the gator belt.

 

water trick made the belt stop squeaking. I replaced the belt, now no more squeaking.

I'll report back in six months. If it squeaks again, then something else is wrong...

 

A dirty idler pulley can make alot of noise. Make sure the smooth side is clean.

 

Any updates on this OP? I’m hearing a similar noise on my ‘13 2.7L typically when the motors cold/early in the morning. Wondering if I just need a belt or if pulleys need replacing too. I’ll try the water, just seems strange that a belt only lasts 6 months?

 

No need for a stethoscope. Just use a piece of spare tubing. Be careful when the truck is running.