If you mean the water pump is not going around, the problem is not the serpintine belt--it is the water pump. If you mean the serpintine belt is not going around the water pump then the engine will overheat.
The size of the serpintine belts differs from car to car. If you go to the auto supply store and tell them the engine size and whether or not it has air conditioning they will have the right belt for you. If you must measure it (I don't know why you would) but -- with the engine off get a rope or ribbon about 8 feet long and weave it through the serpintine belt pattern -- this pattern should be diagramed somewhere under the hood--if not obtain a repair manual for your car.
Serpentine belts that show signs of cracking and wear should be replaced. However I think the squeeling is caused by something more than just the belt.
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Sunday, April 27th, 2008 AT 3:32 AM