How to Quiet a Noisy Fan Belt

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The first step is to identify which belt is making all the noise. If your vehicle squeals right after you start it but before you even touch the steering wheel then it is most likely your alternator belt. If the noise happens when you turn the steering wheel then look to the power-steering belt. If your vehicle has only one wide belt (called a serpentine belt) that is the one to work on.

Steps

1. 1
   With the motor OFF press down on the top of the belt. There should be only enough slack so the belt depresses less than an inch -if there is more the belt needs tightened and/or replaced, but meantime it can be silenced like this.

   
   
2. 2
   Again, with the motor OFF rub the bar of soap on the sides and inner surface the full length of the belt. If you have a serpentine belt just rubbing the soap on the inner surface will be enough.
3. 3
   Start the motor. If the noise is still there rub more soap on the belt. This lubricates the belt and the pulley so that they don't squeal when they aren't turning at the same speed.

   
   

ATT: Soap chemicals will wear out the belt. Not the best solution.

Tips

• An old bar of soap works well just shave or rub a bit of the bar soap off on to the belt or buy belt dressing
• If the noise is continuous and/or there is smoke coming from one of the pulleys then you must see a mechanic RIGHT AWAY as that component has a BIG problem and needs professional help.
• If you have just had your serpentine belt replaced and it is squeaking, it may just need to be tightened. All new belts will stretch in the first couple of days and usually need to be brought back to mechanic for a follow-up tightening. Some belts cannot be tightened, as some vehicles have a spring loaded tensioner, which may require replacement if the squeal continues.
• A quick check to see if it is the belt and not a bearing, is to drip a couple of drops of brake fluid on it while the engine is running. The belt will be quiet immediately. Do not use any oil based product.

Warnings

• Remember this is only a temporary fix and will not take the place of correctly tensioned belts and functioning engine components.

Things You'll Need

• Bar of soap.

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