[g8er_h8er]

Hi guys,

My 2002 Tacoma has developed an annoying belt chirp. If I spray all the belts with lube, it will go away for a few weeks then come back.

Does a chirping belt hint to belt failure in the near future? Also, I checked my pulleys, and while some of them appear to have very smooth grooves (the raised metal parts that hold the belt on), others have grooves that are somewhat rough, like they have little dents in them. Is this normal?

 

[ZR2Steve]

You need new belts.

If your close to 90K, may as well do the timing belt and water pump.

 

[jtaco1]

I would change out the belts and also check out your AC tensioner pulley. Mine was making a little noise two weeks ago, then it got really bad the other day when I was on the PA Turnpike. On my way home the pulley siezed up and took the belt with it and nearly caught my engine on fire. Long story short I have repalced the belts and tensioner, not too expensive for peace of mind.

 

[drinkintedbr]

I would change out the belts and also check out your AC tensioner pulley. Mine was making a little noise two weeks ago, then it got really bad the other day when I was on the PA Turnpike. On my way home the pulley siezed up and took the belt with it and nearly caught my engine on fire. Long story short I have repalced the belts and tensioner, not too expensive for peace of mind.

Same thing happened to my truck. Mine was slipping alot, and then, boom. Scared the hell out of me.

 

[g8er_h8er]

Thanks for the replies so far. At only 45,000 miles, I would think my belts still have some life in them. So the chirping definitely hints to a belt going bad?

 

[appa]

To check you sepentine belt look on the grooved side and if you see more than five cracks within a one inch section its time to replace them.

 

[Janster]

First off........ NEVER lube the belts!!!!!!

Belts are supposed to have traction to turn the pulleys. If you lube them, you are making them slippery and they won't be able to turn your pulleys properly.
Not to mention - oils and lubrication can deteriorate the rubber and promote premature wear.

If your belts are squeeling - this means the belt is loosing traction with the pulley and the belt is loose. Tighten the belt. Inspect the belt for wear/cracks/etc. Change the belt if it is worn.

 

[knoxtaco]

First off........ NEVER lube the belts!!!!!!

Belts are supposed to have traction to turn the pulleys. If you lube them, you are making them slippery and they won't be able to turn your pulleys properly.
Not to mention - oils and lubrication can deteriorate the rubber and promote premature wear.

If your belts are squeeling - this means the belt is loosing traction with the pulley and the belt is loose. Tighten the belt. Inspect the belt for wear/cracks/etc. Change the belt if it is worn.

Couldnt have said it better myself. I think belt dressing just makes things worse. Replace the belts and if any of the pulleys are damaged by rocks etc you may have to replace them as well. If the pulleys have chips or rough spots this will eventually damage the belt. The more the pulley is chewed up the faster it will destroy the belt

 

[GoodyearMTR]

You could have temporary fixed squeak with a bar of soap or WD 40, but this is not a fix. Replace belts, as they are cheap and easy to replace. Replace timing belt if near 90K. The soap or WD40 trick is good for isolating other noises in engine compartment if your belts are squeaking.