Two Questions: Wheels and Squeaky belts

So these topics are unrelated but I figured I'd put them in one post just so I'm not clogging up the thread board.

1. I have a whiny belt in my 99 pre runner. I'm not a car guy but I think it might be my serpentine belt. It started whining when it got cold. It isn't squeaking at all it's just a whine that gets louder and shifts with my engine as I accelerate. Am I right here or is it something else?

2. I'm thinking I'm going to plasti-dip my rims over christmas break. There may already be some threads on this, but I'm basically wondering what's the best way to prep, perform the job, and the best materials to use. I'm looking for a good, solid black rim that will hold up well for preferably a long time! If yall have any tips they'd be appreciated, or if there are other threads I'd love to be pointed to them.

Thanks guys, everyone have a safe and great thanksgiving.

Luke Harvey

 

Do you have a 3.4L? Check the A/C idler bearing (lowest pulley). They are notorious for going bad.

Check all your accessory belts for proper tightness. At the longest portion of the/each belt - grab the edges of the belt and twist. You shouldn't be able to twist it past perpendicular to itself. If it goes beyond that, they're too loose and need tightened.

Lastly: Check your pulleys for worn bearings.

 

This^^^

Along with checking the belt tension, check the belts to assure they aren't glazed or cracked, which can cause noise as well.
If all above fails and if you are having trouble narrowing down which belt/pully is making the noise, you can try to eliminate the possibilities by using WD40. Leave engine running in park, make sure noise is currently present, and individually spray eack pully that is belt driven. Spray, wait, listen. Once the noise goes away from spraying a certain pulley, chances are that you've identified the noisy pulley and/or belt.

Good luck!