Hi,
First real cold weather (freezing temperatures) and when starting the car the (serpentine) belt squeaks. Year is 1997 and miles 79k. With the present squeak that goes away reasonably quickly how long have I got before it packs up? Do I get 500-700 miles out of it?
Am right in thinking that the tensioner should be replaced as a matter of course if the belt is to be replaced?
Regards Charles
Most probably needs a new belt, but the tensioner just needs to be checked for cracks or bearing wear. The '97 9000 is supposed to be pretty reliable. That said - the reason the squeak goes away is because it's generated enough heat to finally stick. Heat is not a good thing on serp belt driven systems - so don't let it go too long. It's mostly getting transfered to the tensioner.
Interesting mod on the rotors (other thread)- I don't get the pin idea though. Got pix?
I will respond in original thread (I will look for picture first though). Thanks for the comment above. I might have to visit the dealer earlier .... :-( and credit card might end up getting interest from me after all. Damn thing can't run a winter without one fault or another ... there again it gets me out of the house :-)
#1 if you replace the belt, replace the idler pulleys (both of them). The squeaking may be the idler pulley... If it is the original belt, it probably needs replacement. Inspect the operation of the belt and tensioner from start up. If it moves around a lot, you will need to replace the tensioner. If it is smooth and controlled during a start up event and while running, the tensioner should be left alone.
I have done this 3 times on 3 different cars. The idlers seem to last about 60-80kmi from my experience.
KeithG
Charles Christac> Hi,
Agreed.... change them both even if the dealer says that there is no need. I am speaking from experience. 8K after my first belt and pully change, the tensioner pully seized without warning, destroying the new belt and damaging the tensioner. It sounded like an explosion under the hood. Total milage at the time was just under 60K. I had been warned not to go beyond 45K. Lesson learned. Lets see...towing, new belt , 2 more new pullys and new tensioner..........wasnt anthing left over from that months paycheck. ..........Almost forgot, my original morning cold start squeeking was a pully bearing , not the belt.
While in there, MAKE SURE the water pump is OK (and is not the squeak). My son put off fixing a squeak that went away and is now buying a new water pump AND housing, as well as having to do the repair on an emergency basis. Damaged a few other parts too.
My Daughter's 9000 also had same symptoms and we replaced the head gasket after the water pump failed and spewed all the coolant. JC
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