2000 Dodge Dakota Serpentine belt squealing horribly

RHINOS26

MEMBER
2000 DODGE DAKOTA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
72,800 MILES

This has been going on for over 1 year, and it is embarrassing. I have replaced the belt and the tensioner pulley. It does not have an automatic tensioner, I have to loosen the pulley and then adjust a bolt to tighten or loosen the belt. Noise is definitely coming from right side facing engine, only pulley's on that side are tensioner and steering pump. I just recently had to change the thermostat and removed the belt. I replaced and tightened the pulley again, and squealing stopped for a few minutes, then gradually returned. It was not apparent at 800 RPM idle, but as soon as gas was applied the belt or pulley squealed horribly. Sometimes it will squeal at idle and be gone at higher RPM. I am at a loss. Please help.

5 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

I would remove the belt, and spin the two idler pulleys and the a/c and alternator pulleys, make sure they dont bind or feel rough, it can be a bearing problem in one of these. then attach the belt, a new one needs 180-200 lbs of tension! then tighten.

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Sunday, February 8th, 2009 AT 8:52 AM

RHINOS26

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I have checked all pulleys for binding when belt was removed. I didn't notice anything. I have also replaced the tensioner pulley which I thought was the problem. The only other pulley on the side with the noise is the steering pump. Also, since there is no automatic tensioner, what is the best way to check the tension? I tighten until there is less than 1/2" of belt play. I haven't been able to find reference to this in any repair manuals.

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Sunday, February 8th, 2009 AT 9:05 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Use a torque wrench on the pulley that moves, and believe me when I tell you 180-200 ft lbs is a lot of force, you may not have ANY deflection with thius much force, 1/2 inch is too much!

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Sunday, February 8th, 2009 AT 9:27 AM

RHINOS26

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Squeal is very, very low now. I tightened as recommended, but I may need a new belt (again). I ended up with it tightened as far as the bolt would allow it to go. I guess driving around too much with a loose belt has caused it to stretch. Thank you for the very fast response, I would have left feedback, but I only have 0.1 points! Would have given 100+! Thanks again!

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Sunday, February 8th, 2009 AT 11:39 AM

MERLIN2021