[Patman]

So, this is a more recent noise that started up. When the E starts up, I'm hearing a constant squeak. I really can't say if it goes away once warmed up, since I work less than 2 miles from my house. It does seem, however, to be affected by engine RPM.

So, it's fairly obvious to be something with the belt, or one of the pulleys. Is there anything I can lube on those pulleys to see if that's the issue? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

 

[ramblerdan]

You can try spraying lubricant on the tensioner hub (while keeping it away from the belt and pulleys) as a diagnostic. If the tensioner is going bad, it will have to be replaced.

How old is the belt? If it's original, time to replace. While the belt is off, you can check the tensioner for smooth operation.

 

[Patman]

Yup, the belt is original, with about 55k on the engine currently.

Guess I'll need to figure out which one, specifically, is the tensioner.

Also, replacing the belt and/or tensioner - what's the level of difficulty with this? I do have some basic mechanical skills and hand tools available, but do not currently have the full-blown maintenance manual...

 

[ramblerdan]

Accessories, Care and Mods > Maintenance and Service > Replacing the drive belt - how to

Linked on the How-to page and now stickeyed in the Maintenance section.

A service manual pays for itself, generally after a single use.

 

[Patman]

Thanks for the linkage! I've been meaning to get the manual, just haven't gotten around to it as of yet. Though, I guess the manual + the parts/tools would be about break-even when compared to a mechanic doing it.

Of course, the noise has now gone away since I started this thread...

 

[Jackson49]

Thanks for the linkage! I've been meaning to get the manual, just haven't gotten around to it as of yet. Though, I guess the manual + the parts/tools would be about break-even when compared to a mechanic doing it.

Of course, the noise has now gone away since I started this thread...

That is always the way it goes. Be sure to get yourself a factory tech manual. You will happy you did and as Dan said it will pay for itself the first time you use it.

 

[Patman]

Service manual showed up earlier this week. Don't have time to replace the belt at the moment, so I will try some silicone spray on the tensioner hub.

 

[Patman]

Ok, tensioner adjustment marks were well within the range (slightly towards the "short" mark but still close to centered). Did put some silicone spray back behind the tensioner, so we shall see.

 

[5spdSOP]

Hi Patman,

I have an 04' E with about 97k on it, for a few months I have heard a similar noise, and FINALLY, reading your post, I think I might have the same problem.

I just wanted to ask if your "squeak" was actually more grinding type of noise, not so high pitched, because that is how mine is, and it does get worse as I rev. No noticeable difference in the way car drives or responds, just the sound.

Anyways, keep us posted if you find anything new out!

Thanks

 

[bigsmokes]

i have an 04,, with 70k,,i had a badc squeek for months,,2 weeks ago i changed the belt problem solved,,no more noise,,i got a belt from the dealer for $40,,,did the job myself,,its not hard,,took me 15 mins,,good luck

 

[becker57]

Just from experience with my E, the tensioner/pulley was making more of a groaning noise when it needed to be replaced. A squeek just sounds like the belt. Mine were both replaced at 60K. The belt was fine but obviously when you have it all torn down you mine as well replace the belt to. The dealership did it for me. Just my 2 cents

 

[Patman]

Hi Patman,

I have an 04' E with about 97k on it, for a few months I have heard a similar noise, and FINALLY, reading your post, I think I might have the same problem.

I just wanted to ask if your "squeak" was actually more grinding type of noise, not so high pitched, because that is how mine is, and it does get worse as I rev. No noticeable difference in the way car drives or responds, just the sound.

Anyways, keep us posted if you find anything new out!

Thanks

Mine has been a high-pitched squeak/squeal that is intermittent. I can sometimes get it to "kick in" upon acceleration, but not always; sometimes noisy at idle, but not always.

I think I'm just going to end up changing the belt (I've got one already) using the double-wrench tool to release the tensioner. Just gotta find the time...

 

[Patman]

Alright, got the belt changed on Friday after work. All in all, took me about a half-hour. Not too bad for never having changed one of these belts before (and triple checking that it was routed properly).

The squeaking is WAY down now. Now I've got more of an intermittent chirp - any thoughts?

 

[5spdSOP]

It might be your tensioner after all,

The car I use to drive had a crazy squeaking drive belt every time i started it, my mechanic replaced the tensioner and all was well after.

When I change my drive belt on the E, I am probably going to change the tensioner also while I am in there, I don't think the part is that expensive if I remember correctly

 

[scorsone]

I have a high pitch squeal that only occurs when my A/C is on. I am having it go into the shop in Thursday to find out what is up and hopefully it and a few other odds and ends will be covered under the extended warranty.

 

[Bowzer]

Alright, got the belt changed on Friday after work. All in all, took me about a half-hour. Not too bad for never having changed one of these belts before (and triple checking that it was routed properly).

The squeaking is WAY down now. Now I've got more of an intermittent chirp - any thoughts?

My vote: Tensioner!

On my 08 at around 20k miles, a slight chirp was heard...very slight. Had it checked while still under sarranty and they replaced belt and tensioner. Tech showed me on the belt very slight rubs indicating the tensioner wasn't at 100%. Was not at imminenet failure by any means but was something to prematurely wear the belt out.

If you still have the belt, loot at the edges for indications of a bit extra wear and tear.

 

[Patman]

I do have the old belt still kicking around, so I can take a look. Didn't recall seeing any wear on the edges, but perhaps I wasn't looking close enough.

But, if it is the tensioner, what in it is causing the chirp - a failing bearing or something?

Any ideas on the approx cost of the tensioner if I do need to replace it? Of course, I'm just past the warranty limits.

 

[ramblerdan]

Any ideas on the approx cost of the tensioner if I do need to replace it?

Here's one source.

 

[Patman]

Ah, well, $55 isn't TOO bad for a part of this nature, I suppose! Anyone ordered from this shop?

Now to consult my service manual to see how difficult it is to replace the tensioner...

 

[5spdSOP]

I have ordered a part from them about a year ago, no problems.

I can't remember how long it took them to ship, but I remember it wasn't that bad