5 Causes of V-Belt Squeal (in Cold Weather/When Accelerating)
When your internal combustion engine runs, so does your belt. V-belts provide mechanical power to your power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, alternator, and many other important peripherals.
If you’re hearing strange noises coming from near the engine, chances are the belt is to blame.
Whatever issue you have with your belt, cold temperatures can make it worse. As these issues worsen, the noises will get louder and more annoying.
Of course, cold weather can cause squealing and squeaks from various components in your car. If the V-belt isn’t directly causing these noises, it could be one of your engine’s ancillary components.
These are the accessories that transfer mechanical energy to the V-belt to drive it. When cold temperatures reduce the V-belt’s functionality, these accessories can malfunction or make strange noises. 5 Most Common Causes of V-Belt Squeal
Cold winter weather is never good for your car. When ice builds up in the wheel wells, it can cause strange noises. If you hear a squealing noise, it could be the engine or the V-belt.
But in most cases, the belt is the culprit behind this noise, which can get worse when you accelerate by stepping on the gas. Here are the 5 most common reasons why your belt may make noises when cold or under acceleration:
1) Bad or worn tensioner
If the tensioner is bad or worn out, it will affect the tension of the belt on the system’s pulleys. The belt will slacken and make noises under acceleration.
2) Belt misalignment
The belt may be in good condition but simply out of alignment. If a mechanic recently installed a new belt on your system and you are still hearing annoying noises, the mechanic may not have properly aligned the belt on the pulley. A loose belt can also cause the tensioner to wear out and become misaligned.
3) Belt is worn
On older vehicles, belts lasted about 50,000 miles. But modern V-belts are made from a very durable synthetic rubber. The scientific name for this material is Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer, or EPDM for short.
After this, you will notice the belt ribs wearing down. This will cause it to move less well on the pulleys and make various noises. Cold weather can also cause belts to wear faster.
4) Misaligned Idler Pulley
The belt is not the only component that can be changed. In addition to acting as a drive belt tensioner, the idler pulley can also be the source of belt noise.
The idler pulley has another role in keeping the V-belt moving. It also helps move other engine accessories. If the idler pulley is out of alignment, the V-belt will make noise.
5) Slippage
This will cause the loudest noise because all major engine accessories will stop working at the same time.