Intermittent squealing and screeching noises coming from engine bay when started cold and when idling

1997 PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER

148,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

TERRYNN2008

MEMBER
1 POST

I just had a new serpentine belt replaced a week ago because the belt had slight fraying on the side and i was hearing the intermittent squealing and screeching sounds upon starting the van. Sometimes i noticed the sounds when idling even after the engine is warmed up after driving. The mechanic placed a new serpentine belt and tightened up the V belt. The noises are still happening. Could it be bad bearings in one of the rollers for the belts? The serpentine belt is nice and tight. I don't think its the tensioner. My power steering pump is also whining when i turn. Please help.

Thanks,
Nate

Nov 26, 2019 at 9:11 PM

KASEKENNY

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
18,907 POSTS

The best way to figure this out is to remove the belt and start the van when it is cold or when it normally does it. If it does not do it then you know it is the belt or one of the pulleys. Since the belt is new, we can assume it is a pulley. Then reinstall the belt and get it to do it again. When it starts, spray some WD 40 on each pulley one at a time and see which one makes it stop. Or you can get an automotive stethoscope and listen to each one to pinpoint it. These are not expensive at all and will help determine where the noise is coming from.

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Nov 27, 2019 at 3:42 PM

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