Squealing belts

[Monkeymaster]

Hello,
69 Charger 440 4 spd.
Non a/c car.
Has power steering.
440 built and runs strong, however the belts are driving me nuts.
I can roast the tires when ever I want, get some tire squeal, but the belt squeal is as loud.
I have the standard factory pulleys, arms, and spacers.
So, what needs to be done to correct this ?
Is one brand of belt better than others ?
Use belt "conditioner" ?
Please no, buy a serpentine belt system, ain't gonna happen.
Any help would be apriciated.
Thanks

 

[JimKueneman]

Did you paint the pulleys?

 

[Monkeymaster]

Did you paint the pulleys?

Can't remember, but pretty sure I did.

 

[JimKueneman]

dM

Can't remember, but pretty sure I did.

May have to remove the paint from the belt surface. I was warned about that when I restored mine but the epoxy primer I used has been extremely durable and squeak free.

 

[Lionized]

Belt dressing...unless, of course, your pulleys are mis-aligned.

 

[JimKueneman]

dM


May have to remove the paint from the belt surface. I was warned about that when I restored mine but the epoxy primer I used has been extremely durable and squeak free.

Also I used AC/Delco belts.

 

[Cornpatch MO]

Believe it or not, I have stopped belt noise by spraying them with WD 40. It does not make them slip............................MO

 

[65-440]

Belt alignment, most likely alternator

 

[493 Mike]

I've had to replace pulleys on a brand "X" to stop a squeal. They were just worn out.
Mike

 

[Ranger16]

I've found belt dressing to be a temporary fix. It eventually wears off.

 

[khryslerkid]

Are they the correct tension?

 

[Bruzilla]

Believe it or not, I have stopped belt noise by spraying them with WD 40. It does not make them slip............................MO

WD40 is what I always use.

 

[Monkeymaster]

Alinement, I used the stock parts that were removed when motor was rebuilt, with that, I did use a long straight edge on the crank pully face, to see if the belt was paralel to it, it was.
How do you aline the belt ?
Tension, it probably is too tight, it does not deflect much at all when I push down on it.
What or how do you test this ?
Thanks

 

[WileE]

Alinement, I used the stock parts that were removed when motor was rebuilt, with that, I did use a long straight edge on the crank pully face, to see if the belt was paralel to it, it was.
How do you aline the belt ?
Tension, it probably is too tight, it does not deflect much at all when I push down on it.
What or how do you test this ?
Thanks

What many probably have not heard of, seen, or actually used: a belt tension gauge.

 

[coloradodave]

Lacking a belt tension gauge tool, there should be about 1/2" deflection, when pushed in, in the middle of the longest run of the belt when properly adjusted.

 

[WileE]

Lacking a belt tension gauge tool, there should be about 1/2" deflection, when pushed in, in the middle of the longest run of the belt when properly adjusted.

Absolutely, which is all you need to do. ( I only used the gauge once, like 45 years ago, lol. Then, you used the diameter of the socket used for tightening the bolts)

 

[khryslerkid]

What or how do you test this ?

A couple of ways or do both.

On the long run, you should just be able to turn the belt sideways with your fingers. Or a 1/8" to 1/4" deflection useing 5 lbs of force.

If you have a standard fan, not clutch, you can try to turn it by hand. If it slips, the belt isn't tight enough.

The alternator creates quite a drag on the belt when it's charging. That's normally when you can hear a belt squeak when it's not tight enough. Too tight is hard on the waterpump bearing and will cause premature wear on the belt.

 

[Cornpatch MO]

No doubt , we are checking to see if the belt is old and the rubber has gotten hard and shiney. That is why Belt dressing and WD 40 works. Softens the belt for a short while..........................MO

 

[Ranger16]

On another site I heard this same discussion and someone mentioned removing the belt and reversing the direction. Now he was talking about a serpentine belt, but the principle is the same. I've never even thought of it, much less tried it, but he swears it works.

Can't hurt to try it.

 

[Monkeymaster]

Thanks for the replys,
I have a few things to try.
One last thought, what is the correct size, width and pitch is it ?
I remember the last time I bought the alternator belt, about 1996 or so, the guy behind the counter took my old belt and used a belt length gauge, and then went out back, gave me the belts and away I went.
Starting to think he may have just grabbed one that had the correct length and maybe was the wrong diameter ?
Being younger and looking for beer and b---bs, I was in a hurry, to get my Charger back on the main drag, and not so much as having the correct belt.
I know, rather dumb on my part, but as I stated, I was looking for beer and b--bs!
Thanks