Constant squealing belt?

CINDYMOORE208

MEMBER
1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
4.6L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
167,000 MILES

My car listed above started squealing when starting go at stop light this weekend belt has been replaced in last 2 months. When I got the car home I looked, and the tensioner had never been replaced so I changed it. Now it is squealing loudly when the engine is on constantly running and not moving at all. When I took the belt off and cranked it ran smoothly but no squealing so what do you think is causing the loud squealing sound? I have never replaced the power steering pump and had noticed before this the car would squeal when sitting in drive through or when turning the wheel tightly to get in parking space. I am disabled lady trying to figure out how to fix my broken-down squealing car. Please help if you can.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,380 POSTS

Sure, I can help you. When the belt is off can you please spin the accessories to make sure they turn freely? Also, before you remove the belt, can you check the serpentine belt tension, it should be like a banjo string. Make sure the belt is the correct size because if it is too big the tensioner will "max out" and not have enough pressure to make the belt work correctly. And finally, the belt tension may be weak and needs replacement, here is how the job is done to avoid confusion. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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