What is the reason for the engine belt noise stopping after pouring water?
3 Answers
The reason why the engine belt noise stops after pouring water is: the friction between the belt and the pulley produces noise, and pouring water can increase the viscosity of the belt, avoiding abnormal noise from the engine belt. However, after the water dries, the belt will return to its original state. The function of the car engine belt is: to transmit the force of the crankshaft to drive the working parts such as the water pump and the charging generator. The steps to replace the car engine belt are: 1. Lift the car with a jack; 2. Remove the engine bottom plate, and the engine belt can be seen after removing the bottom plate; 3. Remove the exposed old engine belt and replace it with a new one.
I've been driving for years and encountered squeaky engine belts several times. Once on the highway, it was squealing badly, and a friend suggested pouring some water on it - it actually worked, the noise stopped immediately. This happens because the belt gets dried out or dirty, causing excessive friction that creates noise. Pouring water acts as temporary lubrication, making it slide more smoothly. But don't just rely on this cheap fix - constantly watering isn't a solution. The belt might be too loose or worn/deformed, so you need to regularly check the tension or replace it. I've tried this multiple times in my garage and noticed belts squeak less during humid/rainy days, showing air moisture also affects it. In short, watering is an emergency trick, not routine maintenance - safety first.
I've thought about this before. Belt squealing is usually caused by excessive dryness on the surface creating friction noise. When you splash water on it, the water seeps into the belt, reducing the friction coefficient and eliminating the noise. Belt materials like rubber temporarily become softer and more slippery when wet. But the root cause might be a loose tensioner or aging cracks. If left unaddressed, the noise will return when the water dries, and the belt might even slip off. I once helped a neighbor fix this - he kept watering it but eventually the belt cracked, reminding me to pay attention to pulley groove cleanliness and regular maintenance. Belts perform slightly better in humid conditions, but long-term watering can corrode components. It's best to replace the belt or adjust the tensioner properly.
