Belts squeaking

[84k5]

After changing out the water pump not too long ago I've noticed a squeaking from the front of the engine. Can't tell if its coming from one side or both. Would this indicate the belts are too tight or loose? Or maybe the bearing in one of the accesories is going bad?

I've been told the belt is on correctly when you can push it in only 1/4 inch...is this correct??

TIA

 

[Confedneck]

good rule of thumb is, enough play up or down thats about the width of 2 fingers is about right...

 

[DieselDan]

I've had problems with belts. Once it gets "glazed" no amount of (reasonable) tightening will stop it from squeeling. Maybe it was just cheap belts, belt dressing spray wouldn't help either. Ended up replacing the whole set /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[BlazerGuy]

Yeah, if it's too loose it'll slip on the pulley. Is the squealing only when your turning the wheel, if so then the PS pump is probably low on fluid or something. I would replace the belts anyway, if you haven't already done that...Also make sure that one of the accesories didn't seize up, air pumps are notorious for this...

 

[JROSS]

If its just a squeaky belt, just grad a bar of soap and let it rub the belt while the belt is running. I prefer Zest. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Seriously though the soap works if there is nothing else wrong besides the the belt squeaking.