belt squeal

[bugmeist]

I have a Kioti DK 45s and I'm getting a significant belt squeal. Is there an easy way to tell if it's the alternator belt or the serpentine belt or maybe a bearing? And if it's a belt how critical is it to replace it sooner rather than later?

 

[repete]

Rub a piece of bar soap on the belt and see if the squeal goes away. If it does, get a new belt. clean the pulleys and install the new belt and torque it properly.

If the squeal continues look further.

 

[/pine]

There's usually a significant difference between a bearing squeal and a belt...get a can of belt dressing and see if that stops the squeal...if not check the idler etc...
Good Luck...

 

[Harry in Ky]

I wouldn't get anything. A serpentine belt usually won't squeal, so I'd rule that out. If you suspect the alternator belt (or the alternator bearings) just loosen that up, spin the alternator pulley by hand and see what it feels like. Start it up briefly with the belt loose and see if the squeal goes away. If you still have the squeal, then look for something that turns with the serpentine belt. Maybe take that belt loose and spin each pulley involved and see what that tells you.

 

[bugmeist]

Thanks for the advise all. I squirted some WD 40 on the the squeelling stopped. I checked the tension...it was loose. Retensioned and it's all good. The belt did show some signs of wear so I will be getting a new 1 after the holidays. Happy Holidays to all!

 

[rScotty]

Last year the local parts distribution warehouse bought a load of serpentine belts for Toyotas/lexus that are "cryers". They all make a crying noise that the old belts didn't do. It's worse on cold mornings.