Extremely Annoying Belt Squeak

[Flghtmstr1]

Where would I get a Motorcraft belt at? Also, is it a problem that I need a different-from-stock length (111.5 inches)?

You can get Motorcraft belts at your local Ford parts counter. I don't know what to tell you about the length, though. If the Ford parts guy is good, he should be able to tell you what you need.

 

[Blackone51]

What kind of belt is the new one? I've always had good luck with the Goodyear Gatorback belts.

I had some annoying squealing until I got the good old gator back belt, little more pricey but well worth it.

 

[GettinThere]

I have the exact same problem, but on a 97 Plymouth Voyager minivan.

Like you, I replaced the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley, but no improvement. Belt dressing makes the noise go away, but only for a minute or two.

I also installed a new Dayco belt about two weeks ago. I have come to the conclusion that the Dayco belt may be the cause. I will find another brand (preferably a Gatorback) and report.

FYI, FWIW, Weekend Update...

I replaced the Dayco belt with a Gates belt (couldn't find a Gatorback belt). No squeeks, squeals, noise. What have I learned?

Gates belt = good
Dayco belt = bad

 

[N8Dogg98]

TITTIES

 

[SteedaGT9150]

TITTIES

 

[GettinThere]

Well, this thread took a turn for the better...

 

[sneaky98gt]

Wow-o. I'm not usually one for blondes, but dayum!!!

 

[Rejekt]

What the hell is she planning on doing with that horse? lol

 

[sneaky98gt]

...Goodyear Gatorback belts...

I ordered one early last week from Summit (along with a tranny cooler that I'm about to go install) and put it on a few days before Christmas. I haven't heard a peep from it since.

I used to get a squeal from the belt when I let off the throttle under a hard load, such as when doing burnouts or when running to the top of 1st gear then letting out of it. You can hear the very annoying squeal in this video at 20 seconds. The belt has also gotten rid of that squeal.

Lesson to be learned: get a Gatorback belt from Summit if you want it done right.

 

[N8Dogg98]

sweet, glad to hear it worked out

 

[brtnstrns]

Its the tensioner and it was a common problem a couple years ago. The reason being the tensioner is made out of aluminum and the factory ford design is such that over time the aluminum will fatigue and slightly bend causing it not to sit completely perpendicular to the belt. Replace the tensioner with a new one. Not sure, but I'd expect the aftermarket makes a factory steel replacement.

Are you talking about the WHOLE tensioner assembly or just the tensioner pulley? I'm having squealing problems too and have replaced both the tensioner pulley and idler pulley and the same noise is still going on. I'm about to purchase a new belt but want to make sure I know what to look at next if the sound doesn't stop.