Hello all,

Over the last few days my car has developed the "squeel". It sounds like the belt tensioner is the culprit.
I've read lots of posts about this happening on the 05s when they were first rolled off the lots. Some guys report that switching to the JCW belt (smaller) fixed the problem.

My car just hit 30K miles. It has a 15% pulley thats been on for about 5k miles. The belt is original.

The tensioner appears to be running almost all the way out..... very close to the SC pulley, which indicates that the stock belt is stretched and could stand to be replaced.

NOW MY QUESTION(s):
Is the squealing only due to the position of the idler? Or are the bearings getting ready to fail?

I'm afraid to ask the dealer to fix the problem..... thinking they will blame the problem on the pulley. Has anybody with an aftermarket pulley had this problem fixed at the dealer?

Any advice would be appreciated. Where do I buy a new tensioner? What belt should I use with the 15% pulley?

Thanks
Donald

 

The noise is all from the belt, get it replaced with a smaller one. NAPA part #060539. You will need that special belt_tensioner_tool to get the new belt on, or the old one off if you don't cut it. Installing the new belt is made easier if you remove the passenger side wheelwell. With only 30k on the car the tensioner is fine.

 

Thanks,
I have the tensioner tool that I bought when I installed the pulley. I will get a new belt today. While I'm in there I'll inspect the tensioner wheel for any slop. I'll put on the new belt today and pay close attention in the next weeks.

thanks for the advice
Donald

 

Agreed, sounds like replacing the belt should resolve your problem. Let us know.

 

I just finished installing a new Gatorback belt.
No squeeling yet! I'll keep my ears open and report back if there's any issues.
Bought at AutoZone for about $27.
The new belt is certainly about 1/2" shorter than the one I removed.

Thanks
Donald