Squeaking belt

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by kdst5

I always thought a chirp on the aux belt was an indication that the freewheel on alternator had seized. This would then lead to the aux belt snapping and potentially taking out the cam belt which then destroys the engine. The freewheel on alternator can be checked and then replaced if needed.

Hi,

I've had the alternator pulley checked by a Volvo Specialist. He said there was nothing wrong with it and it was the same garage that fitted the belt.

The squeak noise goes when the engine gets fully warm or after a decent run.

[GrahamBrown1]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Hi,

I've had the alternator pulley checked by a Volvo Specialist. He said there was nothing wrong with it and it was the same garage that fitted the belt.

The squeak noise goes when the engine gets fully warm or after a decent run.

But is this once the pulley has freed itself off? Then it will all appear ok. Or is this checked prior to start up for the first time left overnight for example or when ever your noise happens.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by GrahamBrown1

But is this once the pulley has freed itself off? Then it will all appear ok. Or is this checked prior to start up for the first time left overnight for example or when ever your noise happens.

He checked the alternator clutch when I got to the garage, which is only a few miles away on 30mph roads. It was a cold day too, so the engine wouldn't have reached operating temperature in that distance... This was approximately 2 weeks ago. The car wasn't at the garage overnight, so nothing was checked from a stone cold engine.

Aux belt is brand new (garage fitted it). The aux belt tensioner was replaced approx 5 years ago (genuine Volvo part), as was the cam belt.

[GrahamBrown1]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

He checked the alternator clutch when I got to the garage, which is only a few miles away on 30mph roads. It was a cold day too, so the engine wouldn't have reached operating temperature in that distance... This was approximately 2 weeks ago. The car wasn't at the garage overnight, so nothing was checked from a stone cold engine.

Aux belt is brand new (garage fitted it). Tensioner was replaced 5 years ago (genuine Volvo part).

Ok, well in my case my car would chirp on cold start but by the time I’d got off the drive the pulley had freed itself off and the belt was silent. It would be for the rest of the day until left overnight and then same again. So if yours is doing the same it will be fine by the time you get anywhere. A lot of belt failures happen at start up where there is a massive force on the belt as the engine tugs it on start up. Just something to be aware. I really would be having the pulley replaced if it’s done some miles.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by GrahamBrown1

Ok, well in my case my car would chirp on cold start but by the time I’d got off the drive the pulley had freed itself off and the belt was silent. It would be for the rest of the day until left overnight and then same again. So if yours is doing the same it will be fine by the time you get anywhere. A lot of belt failures happen at start up where there is a massive force on the belt as the engine tugs it on start up. Just something to be aware. I really would be having the pulley replaced if it’s done some miles.

Thanks, but I'm at a loss with it. I know it shouldn't chirp, its a brand new belt... I hate the chirping sound. Not that I'm implying my car is a Rolls Royce or anything, far from it. I consider it to be a nice prestige car, which has been looked after.

You often hear old bangers with chirping/squeaking belts and are usually rust buckets. I don't consider my car a banger and I don't want it to sound like one. The garage told me its fine and not to worry, but the chirping is annoying... I know it shouldn't sound like that.

[Tatsfield]

Isn't it the pulley that is causing the chirping and not the belt?

[Dean Bryant]

Hi Kev, how many miles has the tensioner done since you replaced it 5yrs ago?

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Dean Bryant

Hi Kev, how many miles has the tensioner done since you replaced it 5yrs ago?

Hi, 20k roughly.

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

Isn't it the pulley that is causing the chirping and not the belt?

I assume so, as the belt is new. The problem is, which pulley is it? There's hardly any room to see and with the engine running, it makes it hard to actually hear the chirping.

[Baffler]

These alternator anti vibration / clutch pulleys are prone to failure at any mileage or running hours but usually around the 80 to 100k mark.

It may seem fine to the mechanic by the time you reach the garage but, as Graham and others have eluded to, it is telling you something ain't right on first/cold start.

Have the garage fit a new INA/Schafer alternator pulley, they should have the special removal tool, and go from there. You may also notice the auxiliary belt area is quiter too after replacement.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Baffler

These alternator anti vibration / clutch pulleys are prone to failure at any mileage or running hours but usually around the 80 to 100k mark.

It may seem fine to the mechanic by the time you reach the garage but, as Graham and others have eluded to, it is telling you something ain't right on first/cold start.

Have the garage fit a new INA/Schafer alternator pulley, they should have the special removal tool, and go from there. You may also notice the auxiliary belt area is quiter too after replacement.

The mechanic told me if the alternator clutch pulley had play in it/was worn, it would make a right racket... its not doing that.

I'll try to take a video from cold start and post it here. Maybe that will help.