Drive belt squealing fixed.

[lambition]

My 04 solara and my mother's 04 highlander had squealking noise from the drive belt for like 2 years now. (They have same engine)

Belt's condition looked good, and this noise only came out when the engine was cool and gets louder when A/C compressor is running.
For some reason, I though these cars have automatic tensioner until now and didn't bother try giving it more tension.

Few days ago, I found out that these cars don't have automatic tensioner. So, just opened the hood and loosen two bolts holding alternator and thightened tensioning bolt.

Luckly I didn't have to adjust tension on power steering pump belt, which don't have tensioning bolt and would have required a bar and some men power to adjust it.

No more noise!!


It was hard to adjust tension on highlander though. On this car the engine is set much deepter than solara and I could not get my wrench in the tensioning bolt. Had to use universal joint and 2 extention bars to get to it.

If you guys have noise from the belt caused by belt sliping, try adjusting belt tension.

[philosophicaljt]

Appreciate the tip, but I think it's important to make sure the belt's aren't overly tightened. If the belt is wearing enough that it is loose enough to whine, it might need to be replaced. Did you inspect it?

[System_Crash]

You can remove the belt and wash it in water with some dawn dish soap (clean it with a soft brush) let it air dry and that will help out alot for squeeking. You'll remove all the dirt/ and pieces of the belt that wore off into dust.(from the squeeking)

[lambition]

Appreciate the tip, but I think it's important to make sure the belt's aren't overly tightened. If the belt is wearing enough that it is loose enough to whine, it might need to be replaced. Did you inspect it?

I did check that the belt is not cracked or looking worn by visual inspection.

I don't know if it was over tightened to begin with, but what I'm sure is the belt is in good condition (at least by visual inspection)

Belt in solara was squealing under 50000 miles. The belt shouldn't go bad that early...

I will replace them when they show obvious signs of wear.

[lambition]

You can remove the belt and wash it in water with some dawn dish soap (clean it with a soft brush) let it air dry and that will help out alot for squeeking. You'll remove all the dirt/ and pieces of the belt that wore off into dust.(from the squeeking)

This seems good idea too.
I also heard you can rub a bar soap on the belt to illiminate squeeking. (probably by allowing it to slip a bit better?)
I don't know if that will cause any damage to the belt though..

[philosophicaljt]

I used to use comet powder. Put a little on the pully, and the noise goes away.

Not sure how great it was for the belt though.