should i replace the belt when it squeals?

1999 DODGE NEON
158,500 MILES
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LASSIEGIRL1
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  • 1 POST
when u start the car its cold and the belt starts to squeal, and it stops and starts to do it again. until it gets warmer.
Mar 14, 2012 at 1:05 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The smooth back side of the belt is probably glazed by now and should be replaced or roughed up with sandpaper, but you also have to solve the reason it was squealing. That is either due to a weak spring-loaded tensioner pulley or any one of the pulleys is turned a little. That will cause the belt to slide across the pulley as it goes around it. As little as 1/16" off-center can cause a squeal.
Mar 14, 2012 at 1:49 PM
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