Whining Alternator Belt

[Marccus]

I needed to remove the alternator to install new A/C components.

After I installed the belt, it would squeal periodically on starting the car. I have always thought that a squealing sound meant the belt was too loose.

I tightened the belt a little at a time until the squealing went away.

Now I get a whining sound which I can hear when the car moves very slowly or is at idle. The pitch of the whining sound increases with rpm. I have always thought that a whining sound meant the belt was too tight.

I never noticed a whining sound before whenever I re-installed the alternator belt and the belt didn't squeal.

Any ideas what to do? Leave it alone?

 

[95azSHO]

Check your pulleys, you could have one going bad.

 

[Black '93]

take the belt off and spray some "belt dressing" on it. This will stop the squealing. Then put it back on, but not too tight. Yes, it was whining from being too tight.

 

[CerberuS]

Looks like the tensionner (pulley with bearing in it) is going to be replaced.

 

[DEMONICSHO]

try using a good year gatorback belt i had some serious squeal from mine, tried belt dressing etc and it would always come back the next day, after i bought the gatorback i havent heard a peep in months.