Persistant fan belt noise - excessive tention

TURSTY1 · Oct 26, 2015

Hi all,

I have a 2008 Outlaw with 70,000 miles on it. The fan belt started squealing and was replaced some time ago. The noise went away for a while then started again. The belt has now been replaced 3 times. Each time its replaced its quiet for a few weeks then starts making noise again. Typically the noise is at start up and get better as the truck warms up, but lately, it has started squealing whenever accelerating, but seems quiet while coasting or decelerating. The truck it also much more rattley then normal.

Today I took the belts off and started the truck to rule out the noise is not something else. It ran smooth as silk and the rattle also went away completely. It sounded like a new truck. I have also noticed that the tension required on the belt to stop it slipping excessively is huge. I have checked all the bearings on the tensioners and the water pump/alternator etc and they feel free of play and smooth/quiet.

Has anyone got any suggestions to shut up a noisy belt other then replacing the belt and over tensioning it? I have searched around and seen a few posts on tensioner bearings which I might try, but I wouldn't think tension would make bearings quieter. If anything I would think it would make them worse?

landmannnn · Oct 26, 2015

The tensioner isn't the greatest piece of engineering. You can buy a new one at £80 or simply replace the bearing. Its probably running out of true rather than worn out which is why is feels OK.

Propshaft · Oct 26, 2015

since I got my new pathy, I've systematically been refining the squeaks and noises (last one I couldn't be ***** lol)

I'm left in a similar situation, I've got that annoying persistent rattle, rough engine noise that only seems to go away when its wet/raining. I get the odd definite squeaking belt on tickover, but the vehicle has only done 18k in total.

definitely the belts, and likely the pulleys are fine. I just know that replacing the belt will help for a short duration.

All I can say is; frustrating isn't it! I might try a belt dressing see how that fairs. if you need to spray it every month or so, then its definateky better than constantly replacing.

Al

Grimstone · Mar 17, 2016

Itll be the crank pulley worn

B10 · Mar 17, 2016

Have you checked the clutch pulley on the alternator has no play.

Wellsy · Mar 17, 2016

I had the same issue on my euro 5, changed the belts, clutch pulley, idler bearings, tensioner bearings. Squeak went away for a couple of days then returned. Turned out to be the brushes on the alternator. Stripped and cleaned the alternator and all is well.

Grimstone · Mar 23, 2016

That's interesting never come across that before? Had yours been used off road a lot so plenty of mud and dust around brushes?

Adam

nomisco · Mar 23, 2016

Propshaft said:
since I got my new pathy, I've systematically been refining the squeaks and noises (last one I couldn't be ***** lol)

I'm left in a similar situation, I've got that annoying persistent rattle, rough engine noise that only seems to go away when its wet/raining. I get the odd definite squeaking belt on tickover, but the vehicle has only done 18k in total.
Al

Mine has a persistent top-end sounding rattle on light throttle which also is greatly reduced when it is wet or damp. Going in for the duplex conversion next week so Billcar are going to have a look for me.

I think in my case that it's a clutch line or similar that's tapping against something else. Can't really think of a mechanism as to why it would be OK when damp though :scratch:

Propshaft · Mar 23, 2016

nomisco said:
Mine has a persistent top-end sounding rattle on light throttle which also is greatly reduced when it is wet or damp. Going in for the duplex conversion next week so Billcar are going to have a look for me.

I think in my case that it's a clutch line or similar that's tapping against something else. Can't really think of a mechanism as to why it would be OK when damp though :scratch:

as an update, although a bit naughty to use on serpentine belts, i've used a bit of belt dressing and pretty much silent. should really fit a new belt though!

Hamlet · Mar 23, 2016

Propshaft said:
as an update, although a bit naughty to use on serpentine belts, i've used a bit of belt dressing and pretty much silent. should really fit a new belt though!

Dressing is for salad.........:wedgie:eekout

Propshaft · Mar 23, 2016

Hamlet said:
Dressing is for salad.........:wedgie:eekout

a Hamlet is for smoking :screwy

Persistant fan belt noise - excessive tention

TURSTY1

landmannnn

Propshaft

Grimstone

B10

Wellsy

Grimstone

nomisco

Propshaft

Hamlet

Propshaft

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