How to Solve the Abnormal Noise of Car Engine Belt?
4 Answers
Car engine belt abnormal noise solutions are: 1. Check if the transmission has any faults; 2. Replace the engine belt; 3. Check for wear on the hydraulic tappet; 4. Replace the clutch pedal return spring; 5. Adjust the bearing or tighten the nut; 6. You can spray dashboard wax, apply paraffin wax, or apply belt maintenance fluid on the belt. The method for replacing the car engine belt is: 1. Lift the vehicle and remove the right front wheel fender liner; 2. Remove the generator belt and generator belt tensioner; 3. Loosen the crankshaft pulley screw; 4. Open the engine hood and remove the water tank; 5. Remove the engine mounting bracket and the protective cover on the belt.
I've been driving this car for almost ten years and have encountered the engine belt squeaking several times. My DIY solution experience is: first start the engine to listen for the sound location, confirming it's the belt and not the bearings making noise. If it's a slipping sound due to looseness, take out the wrench from the car tool kit, locate the tensioner pulley screw, and tighten it a few turns clockwise. Don't over-tighten, as it increases wear. If the sound persists, it's likely due to the belt aging, peeling, or cracking—buy a good brand belt online and install it yourself, ensuring alignment with the pulley without tilting. Cleaning is also important; oil stains or dust on the belt can make it slippery and noisy—remove it and wipe it dry with alcohol. For prevention, I check the tension every six months and proactively replace it after driving about 50,000 kilometers. Remember, the noise is more noticeable in humid weather, but it's normal. Long-term unresolved noise may lead to alternator failure or breakdown. Before DIY, ensure the engine is cool—safety first. Regularly monitoring the engine condition can reduce major repair troubles.
There are three main causes of engine belt noise. Insufficient tension is one of the primary reasons: a loose belt slipping can produce a squealing sound, which stems from a malfunctioning or improperly adjusted tensioner pulley. The solution is straightforward—check the tension and adjust it. When properly tensioned, pressing the belt by hand should result in a deflection of no more than 5 mm at the midpoint. Belt aging is another major issue, where deteriorated rubber, cracking, or a glazed surface reduces friction and causes noise, necessitating a complete replacement. Opting for OEM parts ensures better compatibility. The third cause is pulley contamination or bearing damage, where oil residue on the belt reduces grip, requiring cleaning or part replacement. Additionally, belts are categorized into V-belts and multi-ribbed belts, among others, with slightly different replacement methods. A brief noise during the break-in period of a new belt is normal. Ignoring these issues can accelerate component wear and increase the risk of alternator or air conditioning failure. Regular maintenance checks are recommended to address problems early, saving money and ensuring peace of mind.
My car's engine belt used to squeak all the time, and I fixed it myself. First, check the tension: press the middle of the belt with your finger, if it sinks too much, tighten the tensioner screw. Replacing an aged belt is also simple; just pay attention to aligning the pulley position when installing it yourself. Clean oil stains on the belt with a damp cloth and dry it. Key points for daily maintenance: visually inspect for cracks or wear every month, and replace it promptly after prolonged use. If you notice any noise, repair it immediately to avoid bigger problems and extra costs.
