squeaking belt when first started

[fairjason]

Hey Guys,

I have an issue that is more an annoyance than a real problem, so I think...

Every time I start my car, whether it be cold or warm outside, I get a squealing/squeaking sound that is coming from what I believe is the belt. I have changed the belt once already about 20,000km ago and it still squeaks. The problem goes away with driving the car for a couple minutes and it only happens basically at idle when I first start it. Could this be a tensioner or belt problem?

While I am at it, I might as well ask about my engine crank. I feel that the engine cranks excessively before the engine turns over. Does anyone else have this issue? It just seems weird to me. No other vehicle that I have driven does this?

Thanks,
Jason

[invader]

It could possibly be a weak tensioner... Year and mileage? Did you replace the belt with one from Toyota again? Toyota's Bando made belt tends to squeak before long, especially upon startup. Replace with Goodyear Gatorback #4060740 (with A/C).

[fairjason]

Originally Posted by invader

It could possibly be a weak tensioner... Year and mileage? Did you replace the belt with one from Toyota again? Toyota's Bando made belt tends to squeak before long, especially upon startup. Replace with Goodyear Gatorback #4060740 (with A/C).

Thanks for the reply, and sorry for the late reply (my newborn twins have kept me busy apparently, lol!). I replaced the belt last year with one from rockauto. I cannot remember what type it was but I am thinking it was a gates/dayco. I have a 2007 CE with 196000km on it.

Thanks again!!

Jason

[jburner]

Originally Posted by invader

It could possibly be a weak tensioner... Year and mileage? Did you replace the belt with one from Toyota again? Toyota's Bando made belt tends to squeak before long, especially upon startup. Replace with Goodyear Gatorback #4060740 (with A/C).

invader - I assume you put the gatorback on your Corolla. How long have you had it on? Working well for you?

[invader]

Originally Posted by jburner

invader - I assume you put the gatorback on your Corolla. How long have you had it on? Working well for you?

I do use Goodyear's Gatorback serpentine belt and swear by it. I put about 120,000 miles on it, and recently replaced it with another Gatorback when I changed the oil in my tensioner. Belt was still quiet and showed very slight wear and cracking, and was still quite serviceable.

[jburner]

Originally Posted by invader

I do use Goodyear's Gatorback serpentine belt and swear by it. I put about 120,000 miles on it, and recently replaced it with another Gatorback when I changed the oil in my tensioner. Belt was still quiet and showed very slight wear and cracking, and was still quite serviceable.

Good to hear it lasts that long!

I'm still not quite clear on the "changing oil" procedure on the tensioner. Is there a DIY procedure somewhere, or can you describe exactly what you do? (I know you posted in another thread). Maybe it's not that difficult, but I've never torn into one of those before. Definitely want to learn!

[extreme one]

Originally Posted by jburner

Good to hear it lasts that long!

I'm still not quite clear on the "changing oil" procedure on the tensioner. Is there a DIY procedure somewhere, or can you describe exactly what you do? (I know you posted in another thread). Maybe it's not that difficult, but I've never torn into one of those before. Definitely want to learn!

Don't bother monkeying around with the tensioner. Just replace it and install new belt. I just replaced my tensioner but my car still squeaked on start up when it was wet. Found out my belt which I replaced 10K miles ago was "glazed" because the bad tentioner killed it. Replace both and you will be ok. Should not be over $150.00 for belt and tentioner. I got my dayco and belt at advance auto. You know sometimes when we go cheap it costs us more in the long run. At least thats my experience.

[fairjason]

hey Guys,

So I assume that if I replace my tensioner with a dayco brand tensioner and then get the gatorback belt, I should be able to eliminate my squeaking on start up?

Thanks for the replies!
Jason