sqeaky belts

[achtungE30]

My mechanic allegedly found my PS and a/c belts installed improperly from my PO when doing my suspension install today. He told me one belt had 3" of slack and the other was barely on the pulley. He replaced one belt and 2nd belt was still good and reinstalled it all, yet the belts still are sqeaky? Is replacing pullies mandatory with a belt replacement?

[Alpine003]

No but you should check to see if you have any stripped teeth on the adjustment bolts. Some mechanics over look this and tighten the belts but if you have stripped adjustment teeth, they can just go loose over time again. Common to have stripped teeth on the adjustment bolts.

You shouldn't have any squeaks if it was tightened properly.

[GuySchalnat]

Some belts stretch in the first week or so.  I'd imagine most mechanics overtighten the belts slightly (causing squeak) because they assume you won't go out and redo it when it stretches (and it is a rather pain to do, unless you are familiar with it, especially if the adjusters are stripped, which they probably all are after 16+ years).

If it doesn't go away, then you may want to call or stop in and have them look at the belt tension.  They should do that for free, since they installed the belts.  In fact, you can probably do it now.

-Guy

[AL GReeNeRy]

when its really cold out (referring to SF weather) i believe my power steering makes a loud squealing sound that ony occurs between 2k-3k, and disappears after the car is warmed up.  i juss replaced the belt maybe 6k miles ago. anyone know what this is?

[Febi Guibo]

if yer pump is leaking or getting ready to go, it will make some noise... in general, there should be about a 1/4 inch (thereabouts) 'deflection' on your belts...

just push down on the middle of the belt and see; if it pushes down more than 1/4 inch (or so) tighten the belt.

you can put some lithium grease or something on the pulleys (where they bolt to the engine, not touch the belt!) if you think they aren't helping also.