Squealing belt

BOBROSE

MEMBER
1995 FORD WINDSTAR
FWD
AUTOMATIC
389,000 MILES

I changed the altinator in my 95 windstar the belt is just a little loose it was replaced this fall and still looks brand new the altinator was replaced from a parts van the same year and motor a 3.8 leater how do I get the belt to tighten more or what did do wrong when I do when I changed the altinator

2 Replies

NICKB275

MEMBER
24 POSTS

This is an automatic tensioner, if it is binding or is falling out of alignment, this tensioner will need to be replaced. Make sure when you eyeball all the pulleys, they all seem vertical and not out of line. I sometimes apply a wire brush to the inside of the belt for a few seconds, cleans the ribs from road grime and may stop squealing in 80% of the cases. If the A/C is on, does the sound go away?

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Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 AT 3:55 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

I do not know your vehicle well.I'm a DIYer Myself. Not a paid mechanic, But I am sorta an authority with the Jeep CJs (my favorite forums are CJ 5 and 7s). Does the alternator spin freely? You might take it to a parts store where they can test it and spin it faster than you can. It may be bad bearings in it, Most Popular Stores do this for FREE! What about your other stuff, DOES IT TURN FREELY (especially the A/C and it's clutch)? Are you SURE the belt was fully on track in the groves. EVERYWHERE? Are you routed correctly? A Virgin belt might be the way to go too. And last, maybe you need to replace the tensioner, maybe it's not-a-tensioning right anymore! Some of this stuff could be looked at by your FREE DIAGNOSTIC MECHANIC. That is the "Mature", "Knowledgeable" Feller That has worked at the parts store a long time. They are very helpful and see this stuff quite a bit. Hands on, is sometimes a lot better than Cyber-Guessing. Let me know what you come up with!--The Medic

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Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 AT 4:01 PM