1997 Toyota Corolla Alternator belt?

MARIEE

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA COROLLA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
156,000 MILES

I've been trying to figure out the source of the sqealing that comes from my car when I start it. It's worse when: it's cold; the lights, defroster, or dome light is on; if I turn the wheel before it's warmed up.
It's been getting progressively worse since it's been getting colder.
The belts were all changed (3) a year and a half ago.
I just moved to a new city and I don't have a trustworthy mechanic so I don't want to go into the garage without some clue of what's wrong with it. I think it sounds like maybe the alternator belt, but i'm not sure what the tension on any of the belts is supposed to be.
Thanks in Advance.

1 Reply

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

The next chance you get, check the physical appearance of the belts. Usually the squealing is caused by either the belt is too loose, or too tight, or "glazed" - shiny appearance.

Find a flat spot on the belt between two pulleys, push firmly on the belt with your thumb at a distance about halfway between the two pulleys and note how far the belt can be pushed. Measure the deflection (how far the belt is pushed) with a ruler. The deflection should be about 1/4" if the pulleys are between 7 - 11 inches apart, 1/2" if the pulleys are between 12 - 16 inches apart.

If the belt is glazed, it needs be replaced.