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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
91
Chevy Beretta, Belts Screech
Q:
I have a '90 Chevy Beretta with over 221K miles
on it. It has been a very good car. The last two winters though, I have
had a problem with the belt screeching when the weather gets cold. I have
tried lubricant and also changed the belt. I am not sure if it is the
belt. Some mechanics suggest it might be the fuel pump. Does a fuel pump
make noise before it goes out? I am not getting straight answers so I
am hesitant to do this repair.
A:
The fuel pump is in the gas tank of your vehicle. Is the screeching noise
coming from the back of the car or the front? The most common problem
we see with a vehicle of your type is a tired (weak spring) automatic
belt tensioner. With over 200,000 miles the automatic belt tensioner could
easily be worn and failing to hold the proper belt tension on the serpentine/fan
belt. Also, be sure that the belt is correct for the application. We have
found that some manufacturers try to make one belt size fit too many different
applications, a little tight on some and loose on others. One other note,
never use a lubricant or belt dressing on a serpentine belt to quiet belt
noise. If the belt is noisy or squealing it is in need of attention.
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