The abnormal noise disappears after watering the belt
2 Answers
The disappearance of abnormal noise after watering the belt indicates that the belt is slightly aged. Here are the methods to determine the cause of abnormal noise in the engine belt: 1. If there is abnormal noise in the engine compartment of the car: The belt is loose or the quality has deteriorated, so the engine belt should be checked first. 2. Use the method of listening to the sound to determine which belt has a problem: If abnormal noise occurs when the air conditioner is turned on, it may be a problem with the air conditioner compressor belt. 3. If there is a problem when turning the steering wheel, it may be a problem with the power steering pump belt. 4. If abnormal noise occurs during cold start of the car, it may be a problem with the engine belt.
Last time my car's belt was squeaking, I tried rinsing it with water, and the noise actually disappeared—it felt pretty miraculous. But this is only a temporary fix because water makes the belt surface slippery, reducing friction and noise, when in fact the belt is aging, with dry cracks causing slippage. If not addressed promptly, the belt could break, especially during high-speed driving, leading to major engine problems. A friend of mine experienced this—after the belt snapped, the engine overhaul cost several thousand dollars. So I suggest not relying on watering it; instead, visit a professional repair shop as soon as possible to inspect and replace the belt, or check if the tensioner pulley is loose. For regular car maintenance, I periodically check the belt's condition—generally, it should be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Developing good habits can save you hassle and money.
