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Belt Squeal on Startup- Tensioner?
My daughter has 2010 Elantra that squeals on startup. It's coming from the serpentine belt when the AC is on. It's worse when the weather is cold.
So it could be the belt, the AC compressor or the tensioner... My question is... what is the most common problem? Is there a known issue with the tensioner? Is there a way to measure for the proper tension?
Thanks
So it could be the belt, the AC compressor or the tensioner... My question is... what is the most common problem? Is there a known issue with the tensioner? Is there a way to measure for the proper tension?
Thanks
0
Comments
1. Old glazed belt
2. Misalignment within the belt system
3. Problem with a tensioner
One way to tell would be to use a water spray bottle and squirt the grooved side of the belt. If the noise goes away, that's an alignment issue. If it gets louder, that's a tensioner issue.
If the belt is old, glazed and cracked, that's the first thing you do anyway. Replace it. If it's the original belt, then it's time already.
To inspect these belts you need to use a tool which measures the space between the ridges. See the link on the right hand side of the linked page. Using water can make the sound change but not necessarily prove what is wrong. It's very likely the belt is just worn and needs to be replaced. The tensioner needs to be inspected at that time and determined if it is still serviceable.