Squealing Belt

Ok guys, I know there already has to be a thread for this, but I couldn't find it. My 2010 Tacoma has a squealing belt. I was going to just rush to the parts store and buy a new belt, but did a little research and found out that may not be the problem. What do I need to know before I go spending money on stuff I don't need?

 

I just kind of went through this with my 2007 but it ended up being the alternator. You can spray a little wd40 onto each of the pulleys if you suspect it may be one of them squealing instead of the belt. Alternatively, you could do what i did and spend $5 on a mechanics stethescope (mine came from harbor freight but other auto stores im sure carry them). Use it to locate the source of the sound.

Belt is cheap to replace, if you do end up needing one, mine was $36 at autozone.

Good luck & keep us posted.

 

What did you do to it to make it squeal?

 

While it is squealing, put a few teaspoons of water on the belt and see if the noise goes away for a few seconds. if it does, a new belt will probably fix the noise. It did on my 2008.

 

And do yourself a favor and only buy a Goodyear Gatorback belt as a replacement.... None better IMO.