What Causes Belt Squeaking After a Car Goes Through Water?
2 Answers
This is caused by the belt slipping when it gets wet. Below is relevant information about car belts: Installation Location: In automotive applications, they are primarily installed between the car engine's crankshaft and components such as the camshaft, water pump, generator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering pump. Function: The engine drives various auxiliary mechanisms via belt transmission, including the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, and alternator. If the belt slips or breaks, the related auxiliary mechanisms will fail to operate normally, affecting the car's regular use. Therefore, it is essential to inspect the drive belt regularly.
That time when I drove through a puddle, the belt started squeaking, which made me nervous. Looking back, the belt surface became slippery after getting wet, increasing friction with the pulley grooves and causing the slipping noise. This usually happens with the alternator belt or the air conditioning belt. Water can also seep into the belt grooves, worsening the noise, especially if the belt is old and expands when wet. After driving through water, it's best to slow down and let the engine heat naturally dry the belt. If the noise persists, water may have entered the belt grooves or the tensioner might be damaged, requiring disassembly for cleaning or part replacement. In the long run, regularly checking belt tension and avoiding deep water sections is key. From experience, I've learned that if such issues aren't addressed promptly, the belt could wear further or even break, affecting the vehicle's electrical system—like unstable power supply or air conditioning failure—leading to bigger risks.
