Changing fan belt help!

[MrC]

Also when no belt was on the wheel, it did wobble very slightly and appeared to be rather worn out - tiny hairline fractures all over, though my eyes may have mistaken me, could just be debris imprinted on it. Does anyone know if it's possible to adjust the alightment of the tensioner If so, is it something I can do, or better to ask a garage Perhaps it's not the tentioner but one of the wheels next to it

So... it didn't work!!

The brand new belt stopped it squeaking for about a day, then it came back to haunt! So, it must be the tensioner wheel bearing which is making the noise, given my observations (copied above).

Is this a common problem???

Am I right about the belt running off to one side of the tensioner wheel?????

Can anyone take a look at theirs to check for me????

If the belt is always off to one side (not just mine!) then that would explain it being a common problem because this would put uneven pressure on the bearing inside leading it to deform and eventually start squeeking.

If the belt being off to one side is a symptom exclusively to my Connect then, perhaps someone has fitted the wrong tentioner at some point. And thus, should I beware that I order the right one as a replacement?

[MrC]

IT WASN'T THE BELT...

After all that the new belt was quiet for about 3 miles then the noise came back. So it must be the tensioner baring.

Take a look at the pics and this post with exactly same problem:

viewtopic.php?f=54&t=98249

Exactly the same as mine - the belt is running to one side of the tensioner wheel... which in turn means the baring (in the wheel) has been worn unevenly leading to the sqeeling noise. The squealing is constant including idling but stops only if I rev the engine. WHY DOES THE BELT RUN TO ONE SIDE THOUGH!!?? Does everyone have the same problem (with or without squeal)? I ask because, if so then a new wheel will eventually suffer the same demise in the long run, won't it?

[MrC]

So, now I've changed the tensioner pulley wheel (very easy btw) and the squeel is even louder!

Belt still runs off to one side.

Squeal stops immediately whenever I spray silicone at the flat side of the belt (trying to avoid any wheels) which tells me that it is in fact the belt making the noise. But the belt is new!!

Tried pully both ways round. Tried belt both ways round.

Tried giving the new (but now used) belt a good clean in a bucket of hot water with plenty of Ecover(washing up liquid). Scrubbed repeatedly with soft sponge scourer and rinsed well. Also cleaned the flat wheels. Still no joy!

No idea what to do now. Noise is totally unbarable

Can't see any way to adjust position of the pulley wheel. perhaps the other wheels can be adjusted? Or perhaps one of the other wheels is dragging (holding back)? Can anyone help PLEASE

[scout]

There's a small idler pulley low down, between the crank pulley and alternator. Mine fell off, with interesting results...
But it whined rather than squealed, but could be worth a look?

[MrC]

Hi Scout, thanks for your input. My one seems in good order but very shiny... read on!...

Actually have had some minor success today... THE SQUEALING HAS STOPPED ...but haven't driven far yet and when I rev to pull away there is a very slight squeal coming back. Also, THE BELT IS STILL RUNNING OFF TO ONE SIDE of the tensioner pulley.

Basically, I read on a forum many miles from here (US to be exact) one persons joy gained out of ruffing up the wheels and belt. The logic being that the noise comes from the belt slipping so give it some more friction and it wont slip. Hmmm?

Did exactly this to the two flat metal wheels (don't know what they're called - one is what you mentioned Scout) which take the smooth side of the belt (third flat wheel is the tensioner which is new and plastic, so no need!). Did it with some 120grit sand paper on the wheels then roughed up the flat side of my belt with a metal kitchen scourer (it and the wheels were all very shiny indeed!). Gave the belt a good clean and rinse too and et voilà!

Actually, the noise started immediately but then softened to silence after running for under a minute.

Again, I'll let you know if anything changes. Seems like I'm on my own now!

[MrC]

So, worked for a day! Next day back with a vengeance!!!

Booked into garage with all the above explained, but wan't them to check that tensioner assembly is fitted correctly and/or any other wheels... with the thought that belt being off to one side could be a first problem to solve before worrying about the squeal... but hopefully might fix the squeal too.

[billyjo2002]

Was this ever resolved?