Alternator belt squeaks

Feb 27, 2004 11 Replies
W

My 1997 Legacy alternator belts squeaks. I recently changed my alternator and belt and now am now being subjected to daily squeaks. I've tried tightening, loosening, and applying belt dressing; all without success. Each time the squeak goes away initially but eventually returns. A friend has suggested sanding the pulleys with course sandpaper.



Has anyone had this problem and what did they do to solve it? Could it be that the pulleys are not lined up in the same plane? Should I install shims in the alternator mount to either bring forward or push back the alternator?



Everything was rosy before I changed the alternator and belt.



I have to roll down the road early in the morning to keep from waking up the whole neighborhood.



Thanks, Wayne The neighborhood squeak


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W

I picked up the belt at a parts store. I just asked for one that fits my year and engine. I'll check on the pulley.

Thanks, Wayne

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C

IME, "belt dressing" always seemed to make belts squeakier. I've heard of rubbing belts (with engine off) with a bar of soap, but I've always had good results spraying em down with spray can silicone lube.

Steve

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X

Have you tried belt dressing? (an old trick from the v-belt days)

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T

Hey, Just adjust the belt tension properly or replace the belt if it's too worn. Tony

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W

The belt is new and the tension is adjusted properly. I've checked it several times.

Now, about the silicone lube, won't that encourage the belt to slip?

Wayne

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C

Notwithstanding Ed's comments on it, I've used the *spray* silicone lube on fanbelts on numerous vehicles I've owned over the last 20+ years...it's always quieted belt noise and never caused any slipping or increased wear. The silicon spray lube I'm talking about is a very thin-bodied, water-clear product, if that helps describe it better (it's also the bees-knees for inside lubing a holster, but that's another topic ;-), available under all kinds of generic/cheap trade names.

Steve

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W

I just checked the pulley alignment and it's OK. I guess I'll get a genuine Subaru belt.

Thanks, Wayne

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