1997 Dodge Caravan serp. belt

195,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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CBEST12
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  • 3 POSTS
replaced belt twice and it still makes squeeling sound
Feb 25, 2010 at 4:44 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,403 POSTS
Sight along side the belt between various pulleys to be sure they're all lined up. If it's sticking out in one spot, suspect a worn tensioner pulley. The arm will bend out a little. The tensioner pulley, being off-center, will cause the belt to slide sideways across it as it goes around it.

If pulley alignment is not an issue, be sure the spring-loaded arm moves freely. As a last resort, buy a belt from the dealership parts department with a "Q" at the beginning of the part number, (Quiet).

caradiodoc
Feb 25, 2010 at 8:22 PM
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GWOLKING
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[quote:bc8fa0ff51="cbest12"]Noises problem
1997 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 195000 miles

replaced belt twice and it still makes squeeling sound[/quote:bc8fa0ff51]

1. Belt tensioner spring is weak. If so, tensioner must be replaced.

2. Wrong size belt, or belt not routed correctly -- double-check the diagram that should be in the engine compartment.

3. Sticking or binding accessory (power steering pump, water pump, alternator, A/C compressor, idler pulley, etc.). With the belt off, you should be able to turn all of those pulleys by hand without much resistance and you should not feel any play if you try to wobble them side-to-side.
Feb 28, 2010 at 6:18 PM
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