Why Does the Engine Belt Make Abnormal Noises?
4 Answers
Abnormal noises from the engine belt may be due to a reduced friction coefficient on the belt surface or excessive belt wear, requiring immediate inspection and replacement by the owner. Below is relevant information about engine belts: 1. Replacement Interval: The replacement cycle for engine belts varies by vehicle model. Typically, the timing belt should be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. Some higher-quality belts may last up to 100,000 kilometers. 2. Precautions: During routine maintenance, it is advisable to regularly inspect the timing belt. If cracks are found, do not continue using it; replace it immediately to avoid potentially severe consequences.
I was startled when my car engine suddenly made a squeaking noise while driving, it sounded like a scream. After checking, I found out it was due to the aging of the engine belt, with surface wear or looseness causing such noise when slipping. The tensioner pulley might also be problematic; if it doesn't tighten the belt properly, it's prone to abnormal noises. Worse, if the belt cracks or gets contaminated with oil, the increased friction leads to continuous noise. I immediately went to the repair shop to replace the new belt and had the tensioner and accessory bearings checked before the noise stopped. To prevent this, inspect the belt condition every six months, and don't let it crack too much, otherwise, a high-speed breakdown would be dangerous.
As someone who frequently deals with malfunctions, common causes of engine belt noise include wear and tear of the belt itself, looseness, or slippage due to oil contamination on the surface. A failing tensioner is another major factor—if the tension is insufficient, the belt's fluttering sound becomes sharp. Accessories like the air conditioning compressor or water pump bearing issues can also generate noise since they are all driven by the belt. I recommend first checking if the belt tension is normal; if it's too loose, try tightening it. If that doesn't work, replace the belt or inspect the pulley assembly. Ignoring it risks belt breakage, affecting the alternator's charging function or even causing the engine to stall.
My car had this issue before, where the belt was too old and made noise. Usually, it's due to aging, cracking, or being covered in oil sludge, causing loud friction when slipping. A poorly adjusted tensioning system can also cause this. The solution is quite simple—try cleaning the belt surface with soapy water yourself. If that doesn't work, just replace it with a new one to avoid damaging the engine. Remember to perform regular maintenance checks.
