2003 Ford Taurus Belt Squealing

2003 FORD TAURUS
59,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ANDREWK1719
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I have a 2003 Ford Taurus that is squealing very loudly. The squeal is obviously coming from the belt. I checked the belt and I do not see any noticeable problems; it is dry, clean, no fluid leaking onto it. The pitch is very high and loud. It is winter here and recently the weather warmed up considerably but is now back around freezing. I did not drive it much during the winter. This problem used to only happen when it rained, and the squealing would stop after a short while. Now, the belt is perfectly dry but the squealing is very loud. How do I fix this squealing?
Feb 14, 2009 at 3:07 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
Is the belt tight? Maybe the tensionier is going bad. Also, purchase some belt dressing and try that. Does the belt have any cracks in it? Is it the original belt?

Joe
Feb 14, 2009 at 6:13 PM
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ANDREWK1719
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How can I tell if the belt is tight?
I did not see any cracks in the belt - if I find any, what will that indicate? That I need a new belt?
I believe it is the original belt.
Feb 15, 2009 at 12:48 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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See if there is up and down play in the belt. Also, it should go much more than 1/2 inch. As far as the belt itself, if it is original, it's due to be replaced. Check for small cracks in the ribbed side. More than three in an inch, it should be replaced.

Joe
Feb 15, 2009 at 1:54 PM
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ANDREWK1719
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The belt does not have much up and down play, certainly not more than 1/2 inch. Could this be due to winter weather?

The belt may not be the original. I examined it and it looked rather new, no large concentration of cracks, although it was difficult to see the ribbed side.
Feb 15, 2009 at 3:32 PM
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ANDREWK1719
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I applied belt dressing, but this only helped the problem for a minute or two, then the squealing came back. What does this imply?
Feb 19, 2009 at 10:56 AM