What is the reason for the engine belt noise stopping after pouring water?
2 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.
