2003 Dodge Stratus Squealing belt

DAJAMO

MEMBER
2003 DODGE STRATUS
2.7L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

I have a 03 dodge stratus coupe and the serpintine belt squeals extremely loud. So I had a buddy of mine help me take it off and the belt looks in great and the belt doesn't seem like a shaking movement from a misalignment. But as I let the belt warm up the belt does stop squealing and won't again unless it's set to cool for a few hours. Should I get a new belt for it or is it worth taking to have an alignment

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

The alignment you're referring to can often be seen by sighting between multiple pulleys. You don't want to see the belt peeking out to the side by even 1/16". If you do, that pulley or the one right before it is turned or tipped a little. That can be due to a worn bearing or by a worn spring-loaded tensioner pulley. That causes the belt to slide across the pulley as it goes around it.

Of course you have to be sure the belt has the proper tension on it first. You should be able to tug on the belt to move the tensioner, but when you release tension, it must pull the belt tight again.