FB: Belts Squealing
 

I have a 1st Gen. SE RX7.

Last week I would hear the occasional squeal from the engine area. I knew it was the belt slipping. I sprayed with belt dressing. All seemed good for a few short drives. Then during a drive, it started squealing for a long time.

Checking the belts, all apear fine except the alternator belt. It's a little loose. Problem is it's as tight as it will get. The alernator is at it's highest range.

I changed the belts about four years ago and have done light driving since then.

Any suggestions other than replacing the belt?

I need to drive tomorrow. Is it safe to drive if the belt is squealing?

Thanks,
Duane

Replace the belt, as belts get old they'll expand a bit meaning you can't tighten it (your situation, you're at max adjustment).

Yes it's safe to drive, just annoying.

-Geoff

Sounds like you might have got a belt that was too long, buy a new alt belt one or 2 sizes shorter; then you will have some take up on the adjuster.

Thanks for the reply, Gentleman :-) Much appreciated.

Cheers,
Duane

Just wondering, when the squealing was happening did you notice a change in the voltmeter?

Before you put the belts on,take a bit of sandpaper and clean the grooves of the pulleys.
Belt squeal is caused by loose belts and Glazing of the belt.The engine spins the belt faster than the pulley it is wrapped upon and you get the squeal.Or the engine spins it's main pulley faster than what the belt can handle and glazes the belt.

What grit of sandpaper?

Just enough to take off any rubber that may have accumulated on the pulley.
The pulley needs to grip the belt,so if it has grip the belt will roll with it.If it has rubber crud on it,it will slide,and SQUUUUEEEEEAAALL!.Damn!, I hate that sound!

Get a good quality belt and replace the one thats on there. I have seen low quality crappy tire belts stretch too far for adjustment in as little as 3000km, and even seen some real low quality belts that are almost too long right out of the box. If you need a quick fix thats cheap, a standard 4L belt a bit shorter than your current belt from TSC or crappy tire will work as well. I can't recall the exact length I got, but they are only $5 or so.

I got a Drive-Rite Spun Cog V-belt for my replacement. Hopefully it will last.