VT SS Series 1 5.0Ltr Engine (I think) Making A Squealing Sound.

[CrimsonThunder]

Hello everyone. Lately my car has been making squealing sounds. I'm not sure exactly where its coming from I gather its from the engine but I'm not sure if its the belts that have been wearing.

It usually happens when I first start up the car and goes off when I get to second gear. Occationally at higher speeds it will start again but if I put my foot on the clutch it will stop...

Car details:

VT
SS
5.0 Ltr
Transmission: Manual

I'm posting this to see if anyone has had the same issue and knows how to fix it or maybe its a common fault.

If no one knows about it I will record it so people know what it sounds like.

Cheers.

[MasterOfReality]

Most likely belts, or maybe water pump or aircon compressor bearings but its probably just the belts.

There is a rough guide for checking tension on belts by pushing down and measuring deflection halfway between pulleys.

For a VN to VS V8, if the distance from pulley to pulley is between 170 mm and 180 mm, the belt should deflect 6 mm. If the belt travels between pulleys spaced 300 mm to 400 mm apart, then the belt should deflect about 12 mm.

This is from the Haynes manual and it might be different to VT but I doubt it.

[CrimsonThunder]

Thanks for your help mate. I really hope it is a belt because that would be a lot cheaper than fixing the engine. >.<

[MasterOfReality]

Not a problem.

I had it on my car. I parked it in neutral, gave it a rev and it squealed.

All belts seemed tight but I adjusted the alternator slightly and it went away.

Internal engine noises are generally pretty much contant and rise in intensity or pitch as revs build.

[CrimsonThunder]

Seems pretty easy then.

So do you think I need to buy a new belt? Or do I just need to tighten it?

[MasterOfReality]

If the belt is cracked or just looks worn and grooved, I'd be getting a new one.

[s_ikari2015]

might also be an idler pulley. Had one go after about 2 months of squeeling. It totally shattered and tore the belt apart. Not good, lucky I was only about 50m from home. Was cheap as to replace too.

You can loosen the belt and roll the idler pulleys. They should spin fairly easily. One that's stuffed or squeeling doesn't spin easily at all. The friction of a failed pulley bearing makes it melt and eventually explode.

[VSHeaven]

More than likely a belt as already stated. The warmer weather increases the chance of squelch from the drive belts. There was a product out some time ago called "belt dressing". A pressure pack that you spray on the belts to stop the squelch. I haven't seen it for some time but then again, I haven't been looking for it either.

[Paiste402]

yea loose or worn belts like to squeal when cold since the rubber is harder and doesnt grip like it does when hot and sticky like