Screeching noise on cold start?

GAL PAL

MEMBER
2000 MITSUBISHI MONTERO
3.5L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

The vehicle listed above is a Sport Model. Cold engine on first turn of key very loud screeching belt sounds (which have gradually increased after few weeks). At first if I rev it up, screeching stops. Now, that no longer works, and noise (squealing belt sound?) Increases when I turn the steering wheel sharply. A new power steering belt was put on a few months ago, and I was told it needs to be tightened. Most of what is said when I look that up, s I need to come from underneath Montero and have to remove skid plate first. (?) Then a few other YouTubes say tension pulley nut just needs to be loosened, then tighten up that bracket near alternator, then tighten nut back up. All done from the top. Mi confused. And what if the actual pulley has seized? Wouldn't that cause that ridiculously obnoxious screeching? I need help! Girl here with very minimal wrenching experience. I always thought those tensioner pulleys automatically kept belts at correct tension.

Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 AT 2:03 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

The easiest way to determine which belt is making the noise is this. With the engine running, very carefully pour a small amount of water on one belt at a time. If the belt is slipping, the noise will change. Make sure to be careful around the fan and protect your eyes. Water will likely spray back at you. LOL

Does it get worse if you turn the steering? If it doesn't, it sounds like it is the alternator belt. And yes, that belt is adjusted from under the vehicle. I attached directions for doing it below. And yes, most tensioners are automatic tensioners. However, this one is mechanical. It requires you to loosen the center bolt on the pulley. Then from the bottom of the adjuster, slowly tighten that bolt for adjustment.

Before you bother adjusting it, with the engine off, check to see if it feels loose. The directions will show desired deflections. However, just make sure it is tight. If you place your hand on the belt between the cooling fan and alternator, it should move up and down about 3/4".

Check the tension on the PS belt as well. It is the same type of adjuster, but you may be able to get that one from the top.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.

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