For the past several months, I noticed that my car would “chirp” (sounds like crickets under the hood) anytime it idled or had additional power put on the engine, like lights or AC. The chirp got progressively worse… and annoying. When checking the accessory serpentine belt, I noticed it was rather old and cracked. I then headed over to Autozone to get a new belt (mid-August), a Goodyear Gatorback to be specific (picked up some belt dressing while I was there). When replacing the belt, I noticed that the tensioner was rather taught, making it extremely difficult to get the damn belt on! Finally, it seemed as if after enough pressure, the tensioner gave way and quickly moved another inch or so down, giving enough space to weave the belt around the pulleys. I then, as much as I could, tightened the tensioner. All of a sudden, the annoying chirp turned into an extremely loud an annoying squeal! Also, happens when I did the same things as before, ie: idling, excessive power, etc.

Could when the tensioner suddenly went loose have something to do with it, causing the belt to slightly wobble thus creating the loud squeal? Or is it a failing pulley or Air Compressor? I’ve posted the symptoms in list format, as well as car info below. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help!

Vehicle:
1993 Saturn SL2
Automatic Transmission
86k mileage
Minimal service, other than routine oil change/maintenance
Specifically, replaced belt with Goodyear Gatorback & Belt dressing mid-August.

Problem happens:
Start up when engine cold
Turns to both left and right after idle
Turn on lights
Turn on AC

 

likely belt tensioner pulley (espec if original onefrom factory)

New tighter belt (read: shorter, not stretched) is putting more stress on pulley bearings.

 

i agree with derf on this one. fyi pully alignment may cause squeal and abnormal belt wear. another probable cause... fluid contamination- such as coolant, oil etc.

another thing that will cause squeal is that belt dressing! that stuff is for v belts only... read the can it should tell you to not use the dressing on serpentine belts. i would replace the faulty tensioner as recommended by derf, then hose down your pulleys with some brake parts cleaner (and a wire brush if theres buildup to get that crap off), and clean the belt or get a new one before you reinstall.

 

I had the same problem...replacing your tenstioner should solve your problem

 

Derf and Keitner has the handle on this one. Key is in the statement ..."Finally, it seemed as if after enough pressure, the tensioner gave way and quickly moved another inch or so down, giving enough space to weave the belt around the pulleys."

Personal opinion, tensioner has failed and needs replacing ...

 

Thank you all for your help and advice, but sadly, my car was stolen today from in front of my girlfriends house :-(

Unfortunately, it will most likely end up in Compton, completely stripped and parted out.

May she rest in peace...

Again, thanks for the previous help. On the sunnier side, I guess I won't need to be worrying about that belt tensioner :-/

 

WTF?

Sorry for your loss.

People are gonna start stealing Saturns now cause the brand is going away and they think the'yre gonna get a head start on grey-market parts?

You gotta be kiddin me....

Actually, couldn't you just drive thru Compton and follow the squeal to find it?
(just trying to make light of your situation....again, sorry for your loss)

 

Rip

 

Dang, every one for the first time was in agreement. Wait, what is that squealing noise? Could it be????