1994 Geo Prizm Belts Squeaking

Tiny
BLUMONSTER
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 GEO PRIZM
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 127,000 MILES
Hello,

I have to get out of the house to go to work at around 4 AM. Last year the belt/s started squaking in around May and after having the alternator belt tightened it stopped.

However it started again this year, this time the belt is not loose however it has a line on the side facing the sky, a line that goes parallel to the belt's length. It is louder now especially loud when turning during the first 20-30 minutes of operation.

Belts are less than 2 years old, but obviously the alternator belt is worn.I do not know if other belts are causing it or not. My washer fluid reservoir might be cracked. Could that be a reason for early wearing-out of the belt?

Should I just have the alternator belt replaced? Can it solve the problem in the long term? The only pulley I see is with the A/C. Will I have to replace any pulleys? I do not like the squeakiness, I try not to even turn the steering wheel for fear of getting embarrassed in a parking out.

I will try to capture a photo of the belt and add here.

Thank you
Sunday, September 20th, 2009 AT 10:18 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Any contamination like the washer fluid can cause the belt to squeak, as well as a bad idler pulley.

If car is equipped with 3 belts, PS, alt/WP. And AC.

On cold engine, remove one belt at a time and run engine for a few seconds to isolate the problem belt.
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Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 AT 7:30 AM

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