How to Fix a Squeaky Belt (figure out where the squeak is coming from)

Belt squeal, squeaky belt, belt noise? Learn how to fix a squeaky belt in your car. Usually the belt noise comes from the belt tensioner pulley, idler pulley, or the belt itself. The serpentine belt in your car powers the accessories such as air conditioning, power steering, the alternator, fan, and waterpump. There are three types of serpentine belt wear, pilling, glazing, and abrasion. Pulley wear will cause your pulley to squeak. A worn out pulley bearing or a worn spring in the tension pulley can also cause squeaking. I show you how to use water to identify what type of squeak problem you have and then how to find the problem.
Here is the belt that will get rid of the squeak due to misalignment: www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UT...
Diagnose a Squeaky Belt Part 2: • How to Fix a Squeaky B...
Replace Idler Pulley: • Idler Pulley, How to r...
Replace Tensioner Pulley: • Belt Tensioner Pulley,...
WD40 to quiet the belt: • How to QUIET a squeaky...
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[@kaanaksu4273]

I'm currently 16 working at my dad's workplace and i must say that these quality video's help me sooo much impressing my dad by doing it myself JUST because of your video's chris!!! I love them and i actually want to support you in anyway to motivate you to make more of them they help so many people Chris you have no idea. AWESOME!

[@theperson123able]

Good shit man, keep it up!

[@returntotiffany4600]

You seem like a great 16 year old! Well spoken, polite, respectful. It's very refreshing to come across that these days. Well done, dad! And well done to you as well young man!

[@funwithry1320]

👍👍👍

[@greathoonta3461]

Alpha yeah, they make replacing and installing things much easier to do.

[@felicianomireles3280]

Yes sir

[@fuelgasscrubber]

8 years since you made this vid and it's still helping people. Thank you sir!!

[@Tristann616]

My TL has been squeaking in the morning for the past few days, and I was so excited to see that this video was uploaded. It couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks ChrisFix, I'm learning so much from you!

[@chrisfix]

Tristann616 My ChrisFix senses were tingling lol. Glad the video was helpful bud and I am glad you are learning a lot!

[@cmax10m]

Great video man, I have come across some pretty crummy videos, i.e. filming, lighting, sound. They might as well not make them at all if you cannot see or hear them. But your videos are legit, THANK YOU!

[@ligma8353]

Brother this is like a walk through for dummies. Well explained and great camera work. I'm subbing just because of how easy this was to understand. If you could show how to loosen tension/tension the belt that would be great! Some of us are going to spray water and see whats up but have no idea how to get the belt off properly or on to correct tension. Thank you!

[@tangentyes3323]

Great video, nice to see someone working on cars that knows how to edit and get proper shots

[@poopdust5368]

Really enjoy how this is straight to the point. Super helpful and a nice change from other videos.

[@frankielovato6575]

I just got my first car from my dad it’s an old 2001 Chevy Malibu he said once I get that squeaking fixed and the car worked on it’s be ready for me to cruise so this helped me out a lot thank you man

[@deansoffice6733]

It is awesome that I was able to solve squicking problem in my car through this video.. thanks Chris!

[@joelmessina8410]

Best car fix tutorial of all time, awesome!

[@DanesAnimales]

Awesome video! Great step by step instructions. A little fun fact, besides the use for aligning, V's are also used to transfer the force (generate grip) to the pulley. It does this by exerting the force perpendicular to the face. By using a V, you double the surface area to transfer the force. Another benefit is when you increase the force on the belt, due to the V's, you automatically decrease the amount of slip and therefore increase the amount of grip. Amazing little things those V's are.

[@chrisfix]

premiumoptic Great tip/info bud! I really appreciate the extra info because it really contributes to the video when people read the comments!

[@JonMagnificent]

Very thorough and helpful. Thank you for making this!

[@joseven3452]

Chris I love your videos! Your knowledge is awesome 👏

[@stunnerla]

Don't understand how you can dislike this video when it's do helpful lol thanks man!

[@jimmyfaseler5968]

Checking for cracks only works for older vehicles. In the late 90’s the rubber used in belts went from a neoprene compound to EPDM. EPDM doesn’t crack, or has very small cracks that’s hard to detect. This is because EPDM rubber handles higher temperatures. The cracks you see in neoprene belts are caused from heat. From the looks of it, the belt on your car was neoprene and that new belt in your hand was EPDM. You can sort of tell, because EPDM has a bit of a texture to it. Neoprene belts look more smooth. The best way to check for wear on EPDM belt is wear between the ridges. As the belt gets worn, the ridges between the ribs will get deeper and wider, causing the belt to have less grip. Usually around 90k-100k miles. Love your videos, and you’re dead on about the other signs of wear. The spray bottle test is extremely helpful.

[@NorthmanEh]

Good day to you ChrisFix. Been a viewer for years and just have a need to let you know that, here at least, Gatorback by Goodyear was bought out by a company called Continental. And they no longer make these belts. I'm crying too (metaphorically) because I was so looking forward to the quick fix. Anyway, you're videos are fantastic, easy to follow and quite informative. Keep it the great work.

[@colinnwn]

Continental brought the Gatorback design back for some cars under the Continental Elite name brand. Unfortunately they only have the Continental OE belt without the striping for my Acura, and that started squeaking in less than 100 miles.

[@jbradley920rox]

3 years later and thos video still comes in handy 👍👍👍

[@victorialehman1563]

Thank you so much!! This helped me find my squeaking belt!

[@jenningswest79]

Thank you so much man you saved me paying the mechanic to check it I appreciate the detail and how to do everything I can figure out what it was and it was idle pulley on my car and they save me a bunch of money preciate it keep up the great work

[@chrisfix]

Glad I could help

[@jeffsjefff1254]

I just got a 1999 Honda Accord EX 2.3L 77,000 Miles, driving it about a month now and belts started Squeeking. So I'm thinking this Video has just helped me a bit... :)

[@chrisfix]

Awesome! Glad the video was helpful!

[@coldhawk5665]

Very well explained I'll try this tomorrow. Thank you

[@shepherdscrook777]

Love your vids! I'm learning so much!! Thank you!

[@pal2442]

This was really well done. I work in TV. I've seen all kinds of things :)

[@oscarferreira1]

I was hoping for a belt change, but it's OK. GREAT VIDEO!

[@Dannycruz917]

Can you do a video on how to adjust the parking brake (low brake pedal)? Thanks

[@jrivera007]

Good tips regarding the wear & tear of the belt👍

[@styxfan4022]

Chris. Love all your videos man. Thanks for what you do.

[@chrisfix]

Styx Fan Thanks a lot man! I am glad you like them!

[@Camm.Lynam7]

Really good content you explain things well and in good detail new subscriber 👍

[@kevinward316]

Great info here, I just replaced the fan clutch, tension pulley on my 2000 gmc truck and the squeak is still there. Belt and idler pulley next, but hey, the repairs are getting easier ill say. The water on the belt was was well worth the try, helped tons!!

[@robertfrake2990]

Lol

[@kevinward316]

@@robertfrake2990 turns out the water pump assembly needed replaced, done and good.

[@robertfrake2990]

I have a water pump I'll be replacing soon as well.. Good Job!!

[@trollaphobic]

Hey chris good video as always. I have accesory drive system certification, and thought you may wanna know. When they engineer the system they design the idler, tensioner, and belt as one unit. So if you ever replace one you should always replace all three. Also theres a newish type of belt called EPDM. Epdm lasts about 100k miles instead of neoprene which as you said is about 50k. The problem is epdm doesnt crack. So the pulleys will wear the grooves till it bottoms out on the spine of the belt. To check you need a belt wear gauge. These are only one higher end cars and my semis, but expect it to be in passenger cars very soon. But keep up the great work!

[@chrisfix]

trollaphobic Thanks for sharing bud! That is great info!

[@darleepeterson4888]

You are the bestest! Thank you for making your video easy and quick to understand. Take Care :)

[@flench1901]

Again , Another nice video . Well done .

[@ondrayr]

Great troubleshooting video! Thank you so much!

[@LibertyFreedom1787]

Great video! Short and sweet and to the point.

[@chrisfix]

LibertyFreedom1787 Thanks!

[@prestonpitts640]

Love you're videos man. I could watch them all day. You should make more vids on you're corvet. Maybe a cylinder clean test on the vet?

[@chrisfix]

Preston Pitts Thanks man! I like that idea!

[@AmmarAbotouk]

Thanks man, I learn a lot from you

[@justinbond9987]

Good timing because my belt started squeaking today lol.

[@chrisfix]

Justin Bond Haha perfect! My ChrisFix senses were tingling!

[@funnypranker34]

ChrisFix I got something else: prechecklist video telling you what to do before going to the dreaded smog check

[@MrTimmytimtim1]

Does the noise become louder and faster when revving it ?

[@klecoxs2]

Great video and very well explained thanks 👍

[@tinab9702]

Best step by step - thank you~

[@melvinp460]

I just saved 300 bucks just by watching this video. I replaced it myself for 30 bucks vs 300 quote. Thank you so much mate.

[@rudyv6186]

Hi Chris, first and foremost thank you for the time you take to upload this DIY videos. I was curious to see if possibly you can upload a video on procedures to diagnose and change a power steering pump? Regardless thanks again brother. keep it up! (NOTE: the vehicle I'm fixing is my moms and she drives a 98 Ford Explorer)

[@chrisfix]

My next video is how to replace a power steering pump!

[@coreytoolen5942]

@Samson Truong Did the gauges go out all at once? If not you may have bad stepper motors in the cluster. Been there before.

[@yonathanraziel8547]

Funny, my on my BMW started squeaking and i didn't remember any of your videos on how to fix it, and i looked around and they were alright, but you seemed to know how to explain everything and make it clear

[@chrisfix]

Yonathan Raziel Thanks a lot man! I am glad I make it clear for you! Here is another belt noise video which should help as well! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3a4lmmrgN2HrJo

[@yonathanraziel8547]

ChrisFix thnx man really helped out

[@Joe-vc2cc]

Your videos have helped me out so much thanks!

[@chrisfix]

+Jose Padilla Awesome!

[@MrTeamwayne]

Thanks for the easy diy videos. Your explanation is to the point without extra rambling or shots of pets in the video like other chanels.

[@chrisfix]

***** Thanks a lot Wayne! I am grateful for the feedback!

[@shaneblandford-scherr3375]

***** Ouch shots fired at Scotty Kilmer lol

[@MrTeamwayne]

Shane Blandford-Scherr I like his videos too. This was a you tuber that had a 5 min video and about 2 and a half min was his dogs running around. I like pets but have a limited time for watching videos. That's why I like them to stay on point.

[@laurgreen1]

thanks chris for the squeaky belt video

[@DavidMirandaF]

Nice, and it's a good thing to annotate the numbers (make and model) on the old belt and buy the new one by those numbers, sometimes the car could have some accessory that wasn't there when it came out of the factory (i.e. aftermarket air conditioning, or even an extra alternator, etc), so the belt could be longer (or shorter if an accessory has been taken off for some reason) than the one the manual says it uses. Or if you can take it off take it with you as a sample to buy the new one, the better it is. Other thing is that the old belt coud be slightly longer than the new one, that's because in time, and by the action of temperature variations and the tensioner pulley, it stretches a little bit. So no need to worry if the new belt doesn't look exactly like the old one, just make sure is not too long or too short. Nice video bud! Thumbs up all the way!!

[@chrisfix]

David Miranda Great supporting tips/info as usual David! Thanks a lot!

[@DavidMirandaF]

No problem, more knowledge is always a good thing to have, we can always learn something new :)

[@Riku485]

Thanks for the informative videos and on my vehicle model no less. 👍

[@gmae244]

This did help thank you

[@tharumaravi]

Great channel!

[@REXONATER70]

I thank you so much. I’m good to go outside and figure out my problem.

[@joelmccoin9727]

Good Video, Very Informative. Thanks Chris

[@chrisfix]

joel mccoin Thanks a lot Joel!

[@bbmm4054]

Great video, Tnx for taking the time to help people with your expertise. I’ve had all my pulleys and belts replaced along with both tensioners when I did my water pump and timing belt in a 2000 4runner with very low mileage. There was nothing else left to replace and I did it all as a prevention otherwise I had no issue with anything but now after a year I’m getting squeaking noise when I start in normal spring weather. Not sure why? Any help wouid be appreciated. Tnx

[@W3BZSL1NG3R]

Next time, You should of showed that u changed the Idler pulley n belt, Then started it to show it was fixed... Keep u the great work on the channel brother. Cya, W3BZ 🤟😁👍

[@ruthspillman546]

Great info!!! I just got a 2011 Jeep Liberty. Has a little squeak in belt. Tks

[@jjstotes]

Awesome video

[@JMLVC]

Hey all, and Chris thanks for your vids and posts. You have saved me $ a few times now. BTW I wanted to comment that I have had a 2.3,3, & 4L Ranger and they have all squealed and cherped at some point and time.In my current ranger all the bearings were fine and and the belt was straight, yet it still made noise. I have fixed my 4L fx4 with a Goodyear Continental gator back ribbed belt, as soon as it was installed the noise went away. I hope that may help thanks again.

[@chrisfix]

JMLVC Thanks a lot bud! I think you will like this video based on your tip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3a4lmmrgN2HrJo

[@chuckswanson4849]

Thanks for your Video! Great info:)

[@Koolmoedeesimpson]

My belt started squeaking and low and behold you have a video for that he’ll yes thank you 🙏

[@Justme-uz2kf]

This is great information. But how to change the belt? Thanks 👍

[@defmud80]

I just found that I had a nut missing from the bottom mounting bolt on my alternator making my steering squeal. Load deflection.

[@mattkramer7851]

Thanks for posting this man. The spray trick confirmed that my squeak is coming from the AC belt, not the timing system. Big relief.

[@ethixhiggins5059]

How do you know if its from.the timing system

[@kymoninazarenediscypleofyah]

Thank you for this video bro

[@zx8401ztv]

Still a great video chris :-D. ive allways liked the way you get to the nub of the problem without rambling on about other things not relivent, you allways add helpfull tips related directly to the problem. Ive watched some tubers and they wander off subject before the jobs done, dam annoying at times, im sure youve watched similar videos lol.

[@chrisfix]

zx8401ztv Thanks a lot bud! I really appreciate it!

[@a.i.f.k.2273]

Thank you!!! Very helpful

[@fidelgarcia6361]

Hey Chris I was wondering if you could help.I have a 2002 ford ranger and it won't start all power comes on I was told it can be the clutch starter switch

[@pastytit]

excellent channel

[@jshshshjdjdjdhhdhd9583]

Thanks a lot dude, love your videos

[@chrisfix]

+Jshshsh Jdjdjdhhdhd No problem and awesome!

[@CHUNKYCATSFISHING]

Thanks Chris for the great video

[@chrisfix]

ELSTAN perez No problem! Glad you liked the video!

[@HighparkBristol]

Hi Chris... great vids. I followed ur instructions... in my case the tensioner is in constant oscillation (not good)... so something needs fixing! when water dropped... oscillation stops! have a look... what do you think? is it the belt? clutch pulley? other? thanks

[@thelazygamer2202]

So i have a question. I drive a 2003 buick rendezvous v6 when i go to turn the steering wheel it makes a squeal nois on the passenger side i dont know what it is

[@georgiojansen7758]

one tip from amsterdam company who sells a lot of belts for industrial purposes. this man told me to use loctite belt dressing .prolongs 5 times. goedendag

[@chrisfix]

+georgio jansen Thanks for sharing!

[@georgiojansen7758]

+ChrisFix it's loctite sf 5408 before it was liquid, need only 3 drups now it comes in spray, don't know how to apply cos it eats paint.probably advisable to share with others cos it's a lot of loctite....goedendag

[@stephanietaylor5477]

Hi I replace my pulley replaced my alternator and also replace my belt and I'm still getting the chirping sound so do you think I need to replace my power steering pump

[@slashingbison2503]

Thanks really helped to understand

[@MrElvisr27]

Awesome tip

[@headspace8338]

Should there be any movement in the power steering pulley when the serpentine belt is off? Mine has a tiny bit of movement forward and backward, but not side to side. Looks like the shaft itself is moving from the power steering pump. I'm guessing it's not supposed to do that, but not sure.

[@Phannty]

Another very helpful video!

[@chrisfix]

Insight Phantom Thanks man!

[@yolandad4239]

Help i had the belt ,tensioner , and all pulleys replaced including timing belt and water pump pulleys. The loud squeaky noise is still there what could it be??

[@jeffrankin9744]

Hey on my 2010 528i i have a very loud sqealing. But it sound like its coming from underneath? Is that a thing? Or am i just not hearing it directly from the pulley?

[@rosendosanchez1193]

Question on changeing belt on a 2001 sequoia with its original 140k belt. Do I have to be careful with pulley, Or power steering, a.c.. Etc from moving from its position? Or is it a simple take off and on.

[@hectorvaldez7139]

Thanks ChrisFix U da man!!!

[@kaleidefries5645]

Goddammit Chris you did it again. Thank you I really needed this video.

[@ubaldogalicia2348]

Great videos! I have a question for you. Every time I turn the a/c on I hear the squeaky noise and also the a/c stop blowing cold air until I push the gas that’s funny every time I accelerate I got cold air I hope you can help me with that and thanks in advance.

[@alexischavez6462]

Do a video on how to wire subs for your next video!

[@alirodriguez6668]

09 Nissan Rogue does a squeak noise when pressing on breaks with a/c on. I know it’s not the breaks. Serpentine belt?

[@wtf1231122]

Love the videos man

[@chrisfix]

Bryan Lozano Thanks a lot!

[@paolog9389]

Does the squeaky sound immediately is heard when you turn on the engine? Coz mine is after I drove my car for a while. Cannot determine if its from the belt or somewhere else

[@zachsmith1731]

Hey chris, my 2011 mustang belt squeals only when cold. Once it warms up no more noise. Just a bad belt?

[@FaithinJehovahJireh]

What if the squeak becomes more louder when i press on the gas and drive then squeak stops once i change to second gear? Got a manual. Thanks for your answer in advance

[@heatherchannel7157]

Great vid, what was in the spray bottle to quiet the squeak?

[@jsfama1217]

question, i have a chirping noise when first starting my car (2006 dodge Magnum RT) in the morning. it only happen after the car sits over night and the chirping only happens for about 15-20 seconds. i changed the serpentine belt and tensioner hoping that would fix the problem. but the chirping still happens upon cold start in the morning. what else do you recommend i check? Thanks in advance. love the content you put out.

[@kaylynn3583]

Could it be the idler pulley if I start and it squeaks and when I shut it off and start again it stops?

[@miranda88lm]

your videos are awesome thanxs😉

[@chrisfix]

+Lidia Miranda Thanks a lot! I am glad you enjoy the videos!

[@miranda88lm]

I just did the oil change on my truck using some of your tips, 😉😊

[@paulsalassr4674]

I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie... that squealing noise occurs when I accelerate.. is it the same as above video

[@curtispomykal8432]

That was a great video Chris. I learned something new about the more then 3 cracks in a inch point! Good stuff! Do you know about 05 cadillac Deville? I just inherentted one with 40 k. on the ticker! It has had the oil changed every 3 mo. I just changed the coolant with the recommended DexCool. But it started to have a squeak like a belt or something. I thought of putting some coolant lube in it but first put some belt dressing on it. It stopped squeaking for a second as I sprayed but started back up. Do ya think it may be the pulley or the pump? Thanks Chris.... Curtis

[@robertsalazar2700]

By any change you don't have a video of how to replace the timing belt and water pump of a Honda Accord 2006? my Serpentine belt blow out and i change it but for a reason my car is not starting i check the starter the gas pump all the fuses and everything is working fine the serpentine belt is working but for a reason is not starting i check the tension on the belt to and is fine so i don't know what else could it be any advise or suggestion woul be appreciated thank you and i love your videos.

[@BrailleScreen]

Great video

[@chrisfix]

BL Patrick/smoke alarm person 9000 Thanks a lot man!

[@afauty2]

Dude can u explain diferent betwen timing belt and chain and how it works..thank i'll apreciate it a lot.u re car genius

[@seanjohn2381]

Helpful. Thanks

[@territ.5357]

Had timing belt, fan tightened and pump replaced today. Thought all this would stop the truck from sqealing when I accelerate, but no it didn't. Please help. What could be the problem???