Thread: Belt Screeching

Started my car up this morning. Not sure if temperature could be an influence, but it was 37 out. Anyway, I started the car and a loud screech came from under the hood. After it warmed up it went away. Any idea why it did that?

ILoveGM--

Yank the belt off and take a look at it (both belts, while you're at it) If it's cracked or cut, go ahead and replace it. $25 at your local O'Reilly's. Cheap insurance against a part that, if it fails, will leave you stranded.

Will do

could be a bad idler or tensioner pulley, i still got one that chirps a bit till warmed up, once its screaming it needs to be checked out asap.

worst case scenario is the a/c compressor is locking up, alt, or water pump.

take the belts off, inspect all pulleys. they should spin smoothly. water pump should have no side to side play, if you were to push and pull each side of the pulley.

like said above when the belts are off flip it over bend it treads out, look for cracks or cuts. if it looks ok but dirty, you can clean it with warm soapy water and a scrub brush.

Thanks for the info!