Hey guys, ever since it got cold in November, my car has randomly made loud squealing noises as it accelerated. I can tell the noise comes under the hood. It only did this sometimes, so I just thought the cold made it do that, and since the noise only came on occasion, I didn't worry about it. Well, today I had to drive my car all over the place, mostly on the highway, and when I got off the highway tonight, the car has made the squealing noise from 1800 RPM and up. As the RPMs get higher, the squealing gets louder and faster, like I can tell something spinning makes the noise.

The noise kind of bothers me. Does anyone know what this could be and how to fix it? Because it worries me a little bit. I also checked the oil, and filled it to full, so it can't have to do with the oil being low.

 

Slipping fan or accessory belt?

To test buy some of this:


If the squeak disappears buy new belts.

 

DO NOT buy belt dressing to fix your issue!!!!! belts slip because they are worn and need replacing or there is not enough tension on the belt. inspect your drive belts and replace if you see stress cracking or glazing. would be a good idea to replace all of the belts as a preventative maitenance precaution anyways. ensure good tension with the proper belt deflection. drive for a few miles and re-tension the belts. the belts stretch and they will need to be re-tensioned initially.

belt dressing can mask your problem and when the alternator belt (most likely culprit) breaks your water pump will not be circulating coolant and you could experience engine failure.

 

Also check all your accessories to make sure they are rotating properly. A seized accessory could also cause it to squeal.

 

Loose or worn belt, or early sign of failing bearing in alternator, smog pump, or possibly water pump. Dave and Wmelon pretty much covered the possibilities.

 

My alternator did that. It scared the crap out of me at first. Change the belt first, then if needed, buy a new alternator. The bearings could be going bad.

 

my air pump belt used to squeel for about .5 of a sec at higher rpms. changed all the belts and runs great now

 

I think you missed his little note below the photo. I think he suggested the belt dressing as a way to tell if belts were the issue.

Anyway, loose or worn belts would be my first guess as well. If that doesn't fix it, then check for stuck components that are belt driven...

 

i always used soapy water, carefully applied with a rag or just wrung out over the belt. but never a good idea to stick anything in there while its running

 

Thank you. I should have been a bit more obvious for those people that only read half a thread. I thought less than 20 words was simple enough to get the point across.

OP if the belt dressing stops the squeak... BUY NEW BELTS. Otherwise check stuck accessories as above people have suggested.

 

Worn belts can be identified visually & by feel.

Belt dressing makes a mess inside the engine compartment.