How to Fix a Squeaky Belt (figure out where the squeak is coming from)
Belt squeal, squeaky belt, belt noise? Learn how to fix a squeaky belt in your car. The serpentine belt in your car powers the accessories such as air conditioning, power steering, the alternator, fan, and waterpump. There are three types of serpentine belt wear, pilling, glazing, and abrasion. Pulley wear will cause your pulley to squeak. A worn out pulley bearing or a worn spring in the tension pulley can also cause squeaking. I show you how to use water to identify what type of squeak problem you have and then how to find the problem.
Here is the belt that will get rid of the squeak due to misalignment: www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UT...
Here is the serpentine belt tool: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001...
Find the Belt Squeak: • How to Fix a Squeaky B...
Replace Idler Pulley: • Idler Pulley, How to r...
Replace Tensioner Pulley: • Belt Tensioner Pulley,...
WD40 to quiet the belt: • How to QUIET a squeaky...
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-Website: www.ChrisFixed.com
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.
22 year old female... student nurse... suddenly interested in building and fixing cars, could listen to this guy forever!
No knowledge is bad knowledge.
He's the best of the best
ChrisFix has an amazing voice for this. He talks crisp and clear and with a reassuring tone. Makes you feel you can do this!
You can listen to him or do what he says
Go for it then!
you taught me that a squirt of water stops the squeak. I used this trick on my brother's car to show him it was just a bad belt and he looked at me like I was a Wizard. Thanks for that ChrisFix.
It's not science
@Prime Artemis noise will come back, it's not a cure, its a test
@Prime Artemis yes the noise does come back, this is not a fix, this is only a temporary solution. but it is useful to help you diagnose a bad belt.
@@jefemuga416 how long does it last
@@Isalom1219 this is not a permanent fix. it only lasts until the belt dries out again. but this is helpful for finding the culprit. if you have a squeak and you're not sure where it's coming from, test the belt this way. if the squeak stops, then go pick up a belt at the store, like about 10 dlls or so, and change out the belt. then you'll have a lasting fix. (all belts deteriorate so you have to change them out)
ChrisFix is THE BEST video-maker around regardless of topic. No fluff, just straight to the subject without any BS intro’s/fancy logos, unrelated small-talk, and dragged-out explanations. Besides that, he is also very knowledgeable, explains things in laymen’s terms step-by-step, and always includes safety tips.
The systematic way Chris unravels and solves a problem would make him an excellent scientist.
Scientists and engineers are usually cut from a similar cloth!
Diffidently he is a scientist with short talk. He is a talented man with high knowledge and understanding
He’s making more of an impact on people’s lives than most any scientist could dream of. There are some scientists who arguably greatly affected the livelihoods of millions, but Chrisfix is doing just that. No shame in what he does
Wow. In eight minutes. I feel like I can be a professional mechanic already. Well explained. Thank you
Of course!
8 minutes and 42 seconds
Please don't lol
He's the most awesome explained. Very on point helpful. I had to subscribe. I hope he stays doing this and you tube pays him well.
KZhead Certified!
My husband and I are newly married and have no money to get our car checked out, so this was so helpful! Thank you! ❤️
Wishing you a long and happy marriage! I’m glad you find the video helpful! Thanks a lot!
@@chrisfix Chris where did you aquire your auto repair knowledge, I thought your education was in the culinary discipline
@@chrisfix hows the gatorback belt holding up till this day? Did the squeak come back?
Did you marry a broke guy? Awesome. Do you have clones cuz I also need a wife?
I pray God blesses you and your husband with more than enough for whatever you and your husband need.❤️🙌
6 years later, Chris videos are still being spot-on!! Thanks man!!
I've been looking to KZhead for years to diagnose and get step by step repair tips on several vehicles we've had, and NO ONE else has been able to package the information as perfectly as you've done (for any mechanical issue.) I haven't looked at any of your other videos yet (just now subscribed) but your incredible articulation and explanation is unlike any other experience I've had when seeking repair help. Well done and thank you!
a great way to find what pulley is squeaking or just about any noise in the engine is to grab a short bit of garden hose place one end to you're ear and move the other end around the engine near the noise and you can pinpoint where the noise is coming from
+glen cashen Underrated comment. Have never thought to try this, but this might be just the thing to help me find out where my squeak is coming from (along with what was mentioned in this video). Thanks.
chris, pin this comment!
I was thinking you could record video on your phone and wave it around to see where the noise is coming from, but your solution is old school beauty. Similarly, I remember seeing mechanics with broom sticks to their ears as they poked around the valve covers looking for the problem lifter. Low Tech!
thanks for the help
Yo Glen, what a top idea....I've always used a long screwdriver - not safe at all amongst moving pulleys and belts. Hose pipe= super safe . Thanks again!
Excellent camera work to show isolated spots. NICE!!
I was just thinking that as I read this comment, haha way in there Love it
John McKee I was trying to see when it fixed up...as soon as he exits and raises his arm to adjust
agreed
Yes... clarity and accuracy
Having an issue where the belt on our car (Peugeot 206 2003) came off. Installed a new one and that has also come off. What would likely be the issue? Can't find a video that specifically deals with that but it seems like such a niche problem.
Hi Chris, great video. A year ago my belt adjuster was replaced with serpentine belt after adjuster failed. Old belt was intact & kept as spare. I had a squeaking noise a few days ago whilst on holiday in Scottish Highlands in a remote area. I watched your video for a possible solution. Turns out you were spot on in all your diagnostics. Re adjusted belt adjuster belt & belt was still squeaking. Checked pulleys for play & they seemed fine. Checked belt alignment & realised ribs didn't look right on top pulley. Turns out belt was 6 ribs instead of 7. Belt was not running true as you mentioned. Put old belt on immediately & problem went away. Turns out new belt also was longer & had more play. Ordered a new replacement 7 rib straight away. So moral of story is check old belt for ribs & length against original belt when ordering. It was my fault original for not checking there were different widths & lengths of belts. I only picked up on that it had power steering & auxiliary's. Car part stockist matched correctly against vehicle reg & engine type. Saw first belt listed for power steering etc & that was it ordered. I was really concerned drive pulleys, bearings were causing issue or alternator falling. It ran for a year like this would you believe. I bet belt had also stretched because of poor alignment as originally belt was shorter than original as I compared length. You really saved me stress, hassle & expensive. You are so spot on with all your advice. As you mentioned if old belt is reasonably fine keep as a replacement for emergency situations as I found out. Thanks for all your help, Kind Regards Jas.
I don't know why these videos are so entertaining to me
ikr, i don't even have my own car yet! lol
+Abdul Ahmed ditto
What if my girl got a squeaking noise? Any tips chris fixx
it is getting loose ,so you have to get the new one!!LOL
LOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Something else to be aware of is if you are removing a belt with the intention to put the same belt back on, like during an alternator replacement, note the orientation of the belt. If a belt has been on a car for a while, it has a wear pattern that has developed for years. So if you put the belt on backwards after removing it, there’s a good chance that it’ll squeak.
Good to know thanks
Always look at arrows or letters 😁
I highly doubt I would be reusing old belt and especially one thats years old and has "pattern" developed. Fixing alternator or tensioner or whatever pulley, v belt cost is insignificant in that job.
Dude, you answered my question. I replaced the alternator and the belt fell off. I think put it backwards and the squeaking wouldn't go away until a drove the car for a bit. Thanks for the info
@@win5947 any time bro
Had this issue for several years. Took me 10 minutes to change out the belt and now it’s squeak free. Thanks!
Chris, Thank you very much! You helped me here in Brazil. I had the same problem as you, solved with a gator back belt. Thanks!
my wife said "let's just buy a new car" 🙄
thats when you explain to her the virtues of your favorite sports car. =)
Natas N "just" -.-
The usual wife. Mines is the same
Natas N hahahahaaaa!! Damn really?! You saved a lot of $$$ if you didn't
Just get a new wife
My engine is chirpin' like a cricket, I'll try the wooter test. Thanks Chrisfix.
It's watta not wooter I call it watta
Wadda its wadda or i call it wadda
josh yang That's better tanks wadda
Nawh, wooder.
wowdah
Thank you! Best video of many on subject. Direct, to the point, simple to understand, logical, no excess BS talk. Great video!
Just found your channel, I've been frustrated with my own lack knowledge about how to care for my car but wasn't sure where to start. Your instructions are clear, accessible, and friendly!
Thanks Chris for this video. I had the same squeaking sound in my BMW which just started about a month ago. I had no idea the cause, but thanks to you I did the old water check and it was totally quiet. I just ordered a new belt, can't wait to put it on. This belt lasted 8 years, so I really can't complain. Thanks again. P.S. Love all of your videos.
Man watching these videos gives me some knowledge to fix my own car even if its older, thanks ChrisFix!
Joe Luis .
Your name bro
I just wanted to say thank you so much for these videos. I have a 2001 montero sport 3.0 with 288k miles on it. Someone dud a very poor job on my transmission for fluids filter and gasket. That video about the sea foam dilution saved me a lot of trouble and cost. From what I can tell now, next will be to re check the work when this dude replaced the serpentine belt. Its really looking and sounding like the Idler bering on the belt tensioner. My dad gave me this suv so i can get to and from medical apts for treatments i need. Hes gonna be 73, and unable to physically fo the work himself anymore so he hired a mechanic who did a very half**ed job. This suv sat for two years and was in need of fluids and filters and so on. Your very nice easy to follow instructions gave me new hope on getting this montero to hopefully 500k mils some day. Thanks fo keeping the explanations simple and clear to follow/understand. Youve got my sub now
Great video Chris! I'd just like to add one thing - if you have a noisy belt/bearing, don't ignore it (like I did), because if it is a bearing, it will eventually fail while you are driving!
I never comment on videos, but this was such a high standard I have to commend you. It was a quality video, super informative, well rehearsed and smoothly edited. This will help a lot!
Now I can go about seeing what’s up with the squealing myself rather than waiting on all these men to ‘get around to it’ (as I sit on the couch next to my boyfriend while he plays on the Xbox) maybe he’ll get around to it faster if I do some of the diagnostics myself. If I tell him it does then when I do this he’ll have the motivation to see if I’m full of shit which is stronger motivation than me getting driven insane by the noise... if it was his car it would be fixed three days ago lol. You explained it very well and kept my attention, I subscribed!
Is your boyfriend my boyfriend's son? Sounds like they could be related only differences are the XBOX and my boyfriend fixes everyone else's car before mine. I'm watching this video to go do it myself and maybe he will tell me to move over and finish it finally also. Wish me luck!
Haha thanks a lot and welcome aboard! Did you get to the diagnosis?
Im curious, how did it go?
@@ultrasuperkiller I fixed it sadly we divorced she used the newly fixed car to find a sidepiece. Dam hoochie
checked the belt on my 93 caddy. the old belt looked good, got a new belt and put it on tomorrow, when its not -30c, lol. going up to -4c...lets go to the beach. trying to zero in on a squeaky pulley, sounds like one place, then another. great video.
I was thinking of replacing the idler pulley on my car. I looked at your video. Never tried the water method for a squeaky noise. Any way, I thought I should try that first. I did and the noise went away. Wow, it saved me an expense for an idler pulley and having to do a job twice. Once I replaced the serpentine belt, the noise indeed went away. I'm just glad I only had to do the job once. Thank you so much.
You da man bro. This video made me learn 1 months worth of personal research in less than 10 minutes. Might as well be a College or University lecturer.
Thank you for getting to the point quickly and being detailed! You deserve your watch count!
I hear a squeak coming from my belt and I started to panic. Watched your video under a Google recommendation and you've put my mind at ease. I at first thought "Everything is breaking!" But seeing you explain what it is and how to fix it, I'm reassured. Thank you!
Thank you Chris for posting this. The tip to use water to test the squeak was spot on! I appreciate you passing along the knowledge in this video. I took off the Gates belt on my 08 Tacoma after only a few hundred miles and put on a Bando belt and all is well. Thank you again.
Thanks for the video! It really helped save me some serious money on some parts which I don't need at all! A mechanic told me that the alternator bearings are worn, and it needs replacing. First I checked what he said and found out that the mechanic who recently replaced the AC compressor didn't put the belt on the AC pulley as he should have, so the belt is squeaking.
Wife ask me why I watch these videos, that I have done these repairs and more thousands of times. I don't know, but I am about to start making some videos like these. There is not enough automotive entertainment on tv, so I watch it on KZhead.
Awesome!
Christhecarguy got some good videos
@@chrisfix I have a 2000 Honda accord ex 3.0l, I had my alternator change abt a year ago & 4 the 2nd time both bolts broke on the alternator..is there anything that can be causing the alternator to vibrate , the 1st time the bracket broke & we weld it back together because nobody carry that particular part...
there's more than one way to skin the cat - even though I make many of my own repairs I ALWAYS look first to see if someone's got a better way - like mr. chrisfix, here!
@@bigearl8687 he isn't gonna reply to you btw.
Thorough and concise, you put on a high quality presentation from start to finish.
Chris thank you so much. I have saved thousands of dollars by watching you videos and either fixing myself or letting shop know what the issue may be.
Again, you've provided thorough and helpful knowledge. Thank you.
This is just what I needed. My 99 Honda Civic is in the same situation right now and my belts are tearing up so that’s a blessing you posted this video
Glad the video was helpful!
Bruh same my 2002 civic is squealing like a stuck pig
Put aside your squeaky belt(s), u can drive a car that is 20 years old is already a magic. I got a 2016 Civic brand new when I bought it, hope I got a solid one like urs.
99 overal?
Great presentation. Very well done. Thank you.
Straight to the point with professional and simple words can tell the whole scenario. Loved the way you diagnose the issue from the root cause. Wish you all the best. Chris you are the best of the best
Thanks a lot!
Thanks Chris. I needed this video because I don't work with cars a lot. the only people that could teach me are my uncle's but they are always busy. nice to be independent when it comes to vehicles. I need a place to learn and your channel is perfect for that. Great work and great video!
Great Matthew! I am glad the video was helpful and that the channel is teaching you a lot!
I wish I had discovered you when you first started your KZhead channel. Well, better late than never! Thank you for sharing one of your passions as well as teaching us how to fix our cars. =)
I needed this video! Very thorough, will help me diagnose my squeaky issue. Also wish I had these videos 30 years ago, when I was was trying to fix my car with the grainy black and white photos in the repair manual.
Great video. Simple, straight forward, basic everyday do it yourself explanation on belts and pulleys. Thankyou
Enjoy your videos Chris, great job, I subscribed. One safety issue I think folks should know That's not mentioned: BE CAREFUL some cars typically newer, have an auto fan start wherein the fan comes on to cool a resting engine, (engine is off) so disconnect the battery before sticking your hands in or around the fan. Check your owners manual for this feature. Retired paramedic and firefighter here always on duty. Be safe safe all!
Excellent video Chris. I could hear and understand you clearly with minimal background noise. Your points of cause and how to check for each were VERY informative. Oh, and thanks for the tip on saving the old belt for back up.
True story I was on a road trip in the upper peninsula of Michigan. During a blizzard, and holiday weekend, my belt broke and I couldn’t drive it home without overheating the engine, I had to have it towed 5 hours to the nearest open town. The repair probably took 5-10 minutes and 20 bucks for a belt. Great tip to keep a spare under your seat. Add to that a basic tool kit and a breaker bar or whatever you need to swap it easily. Awesome video as always
Dang sorry to hear that you had to get it towed but you got it fixed! And definitely a good thing to keep as a spare!
This was one of the best car/maintenance videos I've ever watched. Thank you.
When you have the belt off is a good time to check all the pulleys for play/bearing wear, and noise by free wheeling them.
+Todd Simone Great tip Todd!
ChrisFix your videos are really cool
I love watching in depth and in detail videos like this one. Very professional and clear speaking and straight to the point.
THANK YOU. I HAVE THIS HAPPENING NOW. I WANT TO GET IT FIXED BUT DON'T FEEL LIKE BEING LIED TO ABOUT WHAT SERVICES I NEED.....YOUR VOICE IS BEAUTIFUL 😍
Dear Chris I have a 2003 range rover, and I just changed the tensioners and put a new belt, and that's when the squeaking started. Now I have a clear idea on what to look for. Man! Thanks for the information. God bless
Thank you so much for this. I like how you don't just show the fix or the belt replacement, but talk about the different scenarios you could run into.
Just had this problem half an hour ago and immediately got this recommended, this is a little spooky lol
Good looking out to your FBI guy lol
No coincidence, Google is listening...
@@singletracktician i dont know man i didnt even mention it
@@amandacarlile8976 i feel important lol
@@singletracktician THEY ARE LISTENING
got my first used car and it started squealing maybe a week ago.. started to worry but this video made it much easier to manage. Thanks Chris!
By far the most clearly understandable video I have ever seen anyone do about anything on any vehicle under the hood! Nice work man!
Thanks!
Dealership owners will go after this guy! (😂) Like always, great vid Chris! (👍🏽)
lol thanks!
Guillen Urias he's gonna get Hillaried.....
I'm binge watching all your videos and i don't even work on cars. Really enjoy the vids man.
3:05 I can’t help but enjoy the way you say water. It just feels right. “Wuter”
Thank you for the thorough but simple explanation. Very easy to follow and very helpful! Thank you for the examples too! Very helpful.
Great video dude! This is gonna let me make clear to my mechanic I know what the issue is and not to try and rip me off
Thanks a lot!!!
KZhead can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
You should find a better mechanic...
Big John KZhead will not save you hundreds or thousands. Geico will.
@@wadelawrence1020 b r u h
I recently diagnosed a chirping belt on my wife's 98 Durango 5.2 (120k miles). The chirping happened only after the engine was really warmed up, and the chirping was timed perfectly to the belt. I could tell this by the PN label printed on the belt while the engine was running. The cause of the chirping was none of ChrisFix's list of items. It was tiny rocks or sand embeded in the belt grooves. The car lives in a high desert environment. Clearing out the sand/rocks and putting the belt back on fixed the chirping, but I replaced the belt anyway. The reason rocks originally got into the belt was because I had removed the plastic under cover that is directly below the belt and pulleys (OEM dodge cover) so I could get easier access to the engine from underneath and did not bother to put the OEM cover back on. After the chirping problem surfaced, I replaced the belt and put the undercover back on. It seems to keep tiny rocks and sand out of the belt, and its not just for aero as I originally thought.
He made a video about the 4 main issues including this one you talked about
You're the man. Good advice to keep a spare belt handy. Thanks as always.
My mom had this noise whenever she turned her steering wheel as mentioned at 1:40. the mechanic couldn't figure that out. But you explained it very well in less ten 10 mins. very grateful for your videos
You need to find a better mechanic
@@jacobusvisser6428 well, yeah
Omg thank you for this video! I’m a single pringle with no guy to help me fix my car & this video was so helpful!! 🙇🏻♀️
Woderful, as always Chris's vids are. Keep up the good work bro, teach us things so we can save some money. Peace and God bless you, generous soul.
Thanks! I’m glad the videos are helpful!
Thank you for all the info!! So clear and descriptive and gives me confidence to investigate myself
Most USEFUL video on KZhead award goes to my man! Thanks for the perfect video. Huge help!
VERY GOOD VIDEO......I HAVE SQUEAKING OCCURRING WHEN MY CAR STARTS UP.....NOW I KNOW HOW TO CHECK THE PULLEY......THANK YOU!!
Great explanation. I am now confident I can go evaluate the issue with my engine belt. Thank you.
I just heard this squeak in my own car and you have completely made me comfortable going to get it checked out
Thank you for ACTUALLY including the noise. A lot of these videos don't. I don't think this is my problem but I'm still trying to figure it out. It sounds like crickets if that makes sense lol
I am so happy I found this video! This seems so easy to do! Definitely trying this in the morning. Thanks!
Awesome videos !
irelandbloke omni
irelandbloke Ii
irelandbloke iii
I greatly appreciate you walking us through this issue.
amazing video and analysis with explanations. im not a classic car head but i love driving, and now i like learning about how to fix them. you cool man
Awesome video. Very easy to understand, and great shots of what you're actually explaining at the time.
Thank you for making it so simple and easy to understand, I just bought a car and this started happening a month after I got it so will def check it out
thanks ChrisFix, you're still the best
SO helpful! Have the same exact issue. I have a somewhat new Dayco belt with it slight misalignment. Gonna get a Gaterback belt now!!
Chris fix is the best
Hell yea
Single mom of 4, this was so informative and helpful! Thank you so much!!!
Yeah, I don't know much about cars but this is nice and simple to follow. Thanks Chris 😊
Thank you for posting this! I wouldn't have known where to start without it. Squeak gone!
You help more than you can imagine. I hope you get good luck all your life
Awesome! I am glad the videos are helpful!
maak AZ
Also thanks so much for all the amazing videos! So helpful and got me very excited about mechanics again!
Thank you so much Chris Fix for your videos on “how to’s”. Really appreciate your help brother.
Glad the videos are helpful!
Great information given! Very specific! Fantastic video! You left nothing to wonder or think about! Thank you for sharing!
Chris, you are the best, man. Thank you so much for your videos. I hope you're making a sweet living doing this. Godspeed, brother!
Great video very informative on how to narrow down the issue fixed my car and replaced belt to gator for future :) no issues now and you kept my attention most videos about cars dont lol thank you
I'm glad the video was helpful and you were able to fix your car!
Thank YOU! Thorough advise that covers all variables.
this video not only confirmed my issue but i learned a few tips... great video,good job
I've had squeaks from basically every aftermarket belt brand I have used. I'm a firm believer in using OEM belts for optimal results. Theres a lot of great info in thos video. Thank you Chris!
Something to add here. I have discovered that along with belts getting glazed, worn, or brittle that if they get antifreeze on them its nearly impossible to eliminate the squeaking long term short of replacement. I have always used silicone spray to determine if the noise comes from the belt. If it stops instantly its the belt. I have determined "Replacement" is the best solution.
I have a faint squeak (shhhhp shhhhp shhhhp sound) from cold, & seems to go away once driven a few miles & warmed up. I have noticed I have a top coolant hose (right above belt) that has a slight leak & gets a few drops of coolant on belt. I aim to replace top hose & belt. Was thinking of replacing tensioner same time I'm there, but car has only 24k miles on it, so be strange for tensioner to go that soon.
@@stevesas632 I had something similar. The belt started squeaking and I was losing coolant. I started it and looked, and the water pump pulley was spraying the belt when it was cold, but sealed when it was warm. About $250 in parts and an afternoon, and I replaced the belts, water pump, hoses, and coolant.
I halve no idea how to do any mechanics and you genuinely made me understand what was going on, thank you!
Chris Fix this video is awesome! Way to help people out! Your videos help save time and money! Keep doing what your doing!
Perfect..everything I needed to know. THANKS!
Thanks! Glad the video was helpful and you are learning a lot!
Hi Chris I enjoy your videos
My 2003 f150 lightning belt squeaks with the Dayco belts. I replaced the pulleys and tensioner with Dayco parts. The truck still squeaks. I have to get the gatorback belt. The alternator belt is a nightmare to replace but the supercharger belt is easy. I’ll try that one first after diagnosis. Great video. Thanks Chris.
WONDERFUL Explanation & Demonstration !!!! Thank-You !!! 💖