Belt squeal...

[pole120]

I've got a belt squeal in my 90L that's getting progressively worse...and as of yesterday got so bad i actually smelled burning rubber.

How hard is this to replace? I was considering just having Penzoil do it when i get my oil changed in the next week or two....but if it's easy I'll save the $ and do it myself.

For what it's worth i and very mechanically inclined, just wondering how involved the swap is.

~Josh

[mattswabb]

The alt/water pump belt is an easy change. Could just be loose. Could also be a bearing in the alternator failing.

[miami man]

if i recalled a 14mm socket on the bottom bolt and a 10mm on the top bolt. the bottom bolt head is on the other side towards the engine and it is a long bolt but just loosen it and do not remove it.

[festymick]

I have also had success using a product called 'belt grip'. I found it at work where we use it on a bunch of stuff and it's from a spray can too, so really easy to apply. (That is- after i checked the bearings, tension, and replaced the belts.)

[ElkRiverFestiva]

Do you have A/C? If so you will need to take that belt off too to change the Alt/Water pump belt. If you've smelled burning rubber, I would go ahead and replace it. I keep a spare one in my car (has saved me once already).

I actually think the top bolt is 12MM, not 10MM.

It's a pretty simple and quick task :thumbright:

[dahodges]

you may have to retighten the belt after a few thousand miles

[j0nathan67]

i had that same problem with my 1990 and mine kept squeeling but you need to make sure it's not over tight, i overtightened mine :shock: needless to say i had to walk home . and another thing i had to use that belt dressing stuff it's like mine got real dry and after a few days of spraying that i haven't had any problems other than normal tighntening

[packrat427]

My last belt started squealing , I replaced it with a Gates , it still squealed ??, I had to tighten it a little more than I felt comfortable with , to make the squeal subdue .