Belt Squeal When Cold - Anyone Else Experienced This?

Ownership and Maintenance
1

I’ve been dealing with a frustrating issue lately and I’m hoping to get some advice from those who might have experienced something similar. My car’s serpentine belt has started to squeal whenever I start it up in the cold mornings. This noise is really annoying, and I want to tackle it before it leads to more serious issues.

Troubleshooting Steps I’ve Taken

  1. Checked Belt Tension: I’ve visually inspected the belt and noticed it seems a bit loose. I’m wondering if this is enough to cause the noise, or if there are other factors at play.
  2. Belt Condition: The belt doesn’t look cracked or frayed, but it is several years old. Should I consider replacing it anyway?
  3. Pulley Alignment: I also checked the pulleys for any misalignment, but everything appears to be lined up correctly.

Questions for the Community

  • Has anyone found that replacing an old belt reduced or eliminated squealing in cold weather?
  • Could there be other underlying issues I should be aware of, such as a failing tensioner or alternator?
  • Any tips on preventive maintenance to avoid this in the future?

I’d really appreciate any insights or personal experiences you all can share. It would be great to have some solutions before I dive into my next repair session.

2

I definitely relate to the belt squeal issue when it’s cold out. It can often be due to the moisture freezing on the belt, affecting grip.

3

That’s true! Sometimes it’s the tension too. If the belt is too loose, it can squeal more in colder temperatures.

4

Has anyone checked their belt for wear? A worn-out belt can be more prone to squeaking, especially when temperatures drop.

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5

Exactly! It’s like they have a mind of their own when it gets chilly. Has anyone replaced theirs recently?

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6

I replaced mine last winter, but it still squeals! I think environmental factors like humidity play a role too.

7

Absolutely! Cold, damp air can cause issues that warm weather just doesn’t. It’s frustrating!

8

Anyone tried using belt dressing? I wonder if it could help alleviate the squeal during cold starts.

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9

I’ve used belt dressing before, but it’s just a temporary fix. You might end up back at square one once the weather turns again.

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10

True! I’ve found that making sure the belt tension is right can be a more permanent solution.

11

Speaking of tension, do most of you have automatic tensioners or manual? I feel like it makes a difference in how they perform.

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12

I have a manual tensioner and it can be a pain! I’ve had to adjust it more often since it’s been colder lately.

13

That’s frustrating! Maybe we should all get together for a belt maintenance day. Who’s in?

14

I’ve had this issue too! A good first step is to inspect the belt for any cracks or wear. Cold weather can cause the materials to harden. It might be time for a replacement!

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15

I totally agree! I’ve also found that adjusting the tension can make a huge difference. If it’s too loose, it’ll squeal more often.

16

Tension is key! I tightened mine a bit, and the squealing reduced significantly. Just make sure you don’t over-tighten; that can cause other issues.

17

Cleaning the belt with a degreaser can also help. I usually do this before winter hits, and it makes a noticeable difference in performance.

18

Great tip! I haven’t tried cleaning it yet. What kind of degreaser do you recommend?

19

I use a simple automotive degreaser. Just spray it on and wipe it down. But don’t forget to rinse it off afterward. You don’t want any residue left behind!

20

I once had a mechanic tell me that weather strips around the belts can also contribute to noise. Check those while you’re at it!