Squeaking belts

[4x4mike]

When I bought the 4Runner 2 years ago it was cold out and when you started the thing the belts would squeak. I replaced the belts with ones from the dealer and all was well. The old belts seemed like they were in perfect condition as did the pulleys. For some reason I thought that the original squeak was from the PS belt but I don't know why I thought that.

Well it's been another year and it's cold again and sure enough they squeak. The belts are still good and I don't want to spray anything on them. I've checked the tension and everything is within spec and I'm reluctant to tighten them any more. Should I try a different brand belt? Any home brew tricks? I just want to quiet them as the 4Runner sounds all ghetto when I fire it up. Worst is when I start it, let it idle and then once I start moving it squeals again as I get up to speed. I tend to laugh it off but it's starting to wear on me.

[corax]

try taking a wire brush to the pulleys to clean the grooves out - if there's enough room in there I've been known to do this with the engine running, but that's probably not recommended for safety sake (loose sleeves, fingers, all kinds of things could go wrong)

[YotaFun]

I will have to try taht, i am having the same issue and I can't stand it anymore...

[Nick]

Same here - two years later and my Delco belts are squeaking when cold. I thought mine were making noise because they were non-OEM, but 4x4 Mike has OEM and they squeaky too, huh.

[YotaFun]

mine are napa... just for the info

[4x4mike]

I've cleaned them but maybe a wire brush will do the trick. I'll have the be careful though. About 5 years ago I cut my thumb off on my fixed gear bicycle while cleaning the chain. My bike, 10 years experience as a mechanic just not paying attention and in like two shakes of a lambs tail I had a stump and saw the tip of my thumb on the ground. They sewed it back on so I'm good and it works about the same. I just don't want to do the same in an engine compartment.

[corax]

maybe tie/tape a wire brush to the end of a broken broom handle

[CJM]

^ smart idea.

I wouldnt ever do it with my fingers in there. Got the fan going, and everything else-not a good thing.

[MTL_4runner]

Please no one ever put your fingers in close proximity to a moving fan belt for any reason ever, too much can go wrong in milliseconds. I've had a few close calls myself in the past. Ok, off my soapbox now.

With dirty or rusty pulleys I usually just remove the belts and clean the pulleys manually with a metal (brass or steel) brush. Beyond that either the tension isn't right, pulleys too worn or belts need replacing.

[jrallan26]

Interesting. My belts are squealing like mad! I will try cleaning the pulleys.....

[arjan]

I consider it audible feedback that they are there, and working...

[MTL_4runner]

I consider it audible feedback that they are there, and working...


I love it! :rofl:

[gilby4runner]

arjan i feel the same way but my wife hated it. Mine would squeal when i was raining or if the air was really damp. I dont believe mine were tightened to proper spec when they were put on. I was told they need to be tightened up every oil change. I promptly explained that the factory belts had 100,000 miles on them an never squealed. They fixed it but from the look i recieved i am not to sure they want me back...lol

[Rock Slide]

Mine would squeal when it was raining or if the air was really damp.

Mine do that too...drives me nuts when I start the truck up and it's raining outside.

Twice now, I've noticed that when I've gotten in my 4Runner and cranked it up while it was raining cats and dogs, my PS would take a minute to kick in. After a few hard manual turns of the steering wheel, it finally began to work. I probably should tighten my belts...

[oldlongbeard]

Greetings from a newb to your site.... going to look at a '96 runner tomorrow..... pics look GREAT, hope it runs out as well. Any way, had to register when I read this thread...... my dad-in-law was a wrench for 45 years, and had a few tricks he let me in on. Fixing squeaky belts was one of them: WITH ENGINE OFF, CAREFULLY take a rag, and get it good and damp with old school brake fluid. Wipe it on the working side of your belts..... you might want to do it in a few spots. When you start it up, it might take a few minutes to work itself over the entire surface, but when it does, no more squeaks! Has never failed me. BE CAUTIOUS! Brake fluid WILL remove paint. It's nasty stuff on skin, too, but it absorbs moisture out of the air, as well as being very kind to rubber, and being kinda sticky. The perfect belt dressing. Hope Ii get that runner!! Already dreaming up mods for her.
Let me know if the treatment works out for you! (Dad-in-law claims you do it every other oil change, and you'll never replace a belt!!)

Greg in Michigan
99 Camry for now

[4x4mike]

We'll see. I haven't had time to check it out or do anything. I just smirk every morning when I fire her up.

[Rock Slide]

I may have to give the ol' brake fluid wipe down a try then...

[4x4mike]

I went through and tightened my belts this weekend and there was no squeaking this morning. The morning air was cold and damp so it was a good test. All the belts seemed to have decent movement in them but I gave them one more little turn. I also loosened and re-tightened and aligned my York and belt. I was thinking it was the York belt all the time but the old belts squeaked the same and it was before I had the compressor.

[Obi..]

Goodyear Gatorback Belts or O/E's. If need be, try this trick my Grandfather taught me that still works today, a little Pepsi or Coke Cola dripped onto the belts. It evaporates off and leaves a coating that will lubricate the belts without allowing slippage or affect the integrity of things.

[4x4mike]

These are the factory belts. Actually I think the York belt is a Goodyear. Things were good for one day, it squeaked again this morning (raining outside). I guess I'll just have to get used to my hooptie squeaking.

[Obi..]

Don't feel bad, if I jump on my throttle after driving in the rain my alt belt will do it for a second. Just drive faster so it'll dry off quicker IMHO. ;)

[CJM]

I have used WD40 and PB blaster before, it works ok.