What Causes Loud Noise Under the Regal Belt Pulley?
4 Answers
Loud noise under the Regal belt pulley is mainly caused by the following reasons: 1. Rapid changes in engine speed; 2. Increased load on the belt; 3. Belt aging; 4. Dirt on the belt or pulley; 5. Incorrect belt tension adjustment. The following methods can solve the issue of loud belt pulley noise: 1. Check whether the accessories driven by the belt have problems such as bearing damage, jamming, looseness, or increased power consumption, and resolve them promptly; 2. Replace the belt or lightly sand the contact surface between the pulley and the belt with 100-grit sandpaper (light sanding is sufficient); 3. Apply 1–2 drops of engine oil to the contact surface between the belt and pulley (this will not cause belt slippage).
I've spent several years working in an auto repair shop, and the most common causes of loud noise under the Regal's pulley are belt looseness or wear and aging. A loose belt will slip and produce a screeching sound, especially during cold starts. Bearing damage is also quite common, particularly in the tensioner or pulley bearings, which can create a creaking noise. Sometimes, foreign objects like small stones or dirt stuck in the belt grooves can also cause noise. I recommend checking the belt's condition immediately for any cracks or deformations. If left unrepaired, a broken belt not only stalls the engine but also affects the air conditioning and power steering, leading to much higher repair costs. Regular maintenance should include inspecting the belt system every 20,000 kilometers. Replacing worn parts can solve the issue—safe driving is more important than anything else, so don't skimp on small expenses and risk bigger problems.
My Buick Regal had a similar issue recently - there was a buzzing noise near the pulley area whenever I turned on the AC. After consulting friends and mechanics, they all suggested it could be either belt aging or a stuck tensioner pulley. An aged belt might crack, causing insufficient tension and increased noise; if the tensioner pulley loses lubrication and moves stiffly, it can also produce friction sounds. When I took it to the shop, sure enough, the belt needed replacement. After spending some money to fix it, the car became much quieter. I recommend you check your belt for cracks or looseness - you can simply press it by hand to test the tension. Also, pay attention to keeping your engine bay clean to prevent dust buildup. Timely repairs can help avoid the embarrassment of breaking down, especially during long trips - safety always comes first.
Having driven for decades, I've encountered pulley noise issues several times. Usually, it's due to bearing wear, producing that humming or clicking sound - the Regal's belt system is prone to this. Loose belts can also cause slipping noises, especially in older vehicles. If not addressed promptly, the belt may snap, affecting engine operation or even causing a breakdown. I always emphasize regular maintenance: inspect the belt's condition annually, check for cracks by touch, and have a technician listen for the noise source. For repairs, replacing the bearing or belt is straightforward and reliable. Remember, minor noises are precursors to major failures - don't wait until problems arise to regret it.
