Anyone have a suggestion as to what my possible problem is? Engine, and I think it's from the belt, is making a mild screeching sound, almost like a cricket. Car runs fine, but noise has got me concerned. Anyone who can tell me if this is really serious, I would appreciate. It's a 99 Continental with 69000 miles on it.
Belt (I think) sounds like a cricket.
- Thread starter jwolsen
- Start date
MonsterMark
Dedicated LVC Member
Replace the belt with a Goodyear Gatorback belt. Nothing else.
If that doesnt fix it, then one of the belt tensioners or the alternator, water pump or air compressor pulley is going bad.
I suspect the belt will take care of the problem.
If that doesnt fix it, then one of the belt tensioners or the alternator, water pump or air compressor pulley is going bad.
I suspect the belt will take care of the problem.
ground_zero298
Dedicated LVC Member
I'd say idler bearings, alt bearings, or tensioner bearings. Ford went pretty cheap on the bearings.
Should I go with just the belt replacement, or do you think I should have the idler and tension pulley's replaced also? I don't have a mechanic that I have a lot of confidence in, and I know I need the belt, 69000 miles, but I don't want to continue hearing the chirping. Thanks for any advice.
ground_zero298
Dedicated LVC Member
I would take it to a friend or family members house who has some mechanical know how. That side of the conti is short on work room, but its a pretty straight forward job. I would loosen the belt and take it off a pulley. Then try to move the pulley's from side to side and spin them. If you feel anything while spinning them they should be replaced.
If it's the alternator bearings or idler bearings you should be able to determine that by looking at them and listening while the car is running. (with belt on) from the top of the engine.
While your belt is on,(car is not running) push on it and see if you tensor arm is moving a little when you push on the belt.
Is it making the noise all the time? or at a idle? or between shifts?
Let us know what you found and we can go from their.
Monster mark is correct, gatorback all the way.
If it's the alternator bearings or idler bearings you should be able to determine that by looking at them and listening while the car is running. (with belt on) from the top of the engine.
While your belt is on,(car is not running) push on it and see if you tensor arm is moving a little when you push on the belt.
Is it making the noise all the time? or at a idle? or between shifts?
Let us know what you found and we can go from their.
Monster mark is correct, gatorback all the way.
bradyelich
Well-Known LVC Member
Most likely it is the tensioner. Use a stick and place it on or near the item and put your ear to the end of the stick to listen. You can get a mechanics stehescope and do the same thing. What happns to the tensioner is the spring gets weak and it does not take too much weakening to start the belt squealing. The belt only makes the noise from the backside of the belt, since the groved side has more friction than the smooth side.
Thanks to everyone for responding, it all helped. I went to Angies list to get Mechanics in my area, with positive feedback. Found one w/i 5 miles and took it there today. Belt and tensioner assembly needed replacing, and now it's good as new. Thought the price was reasonable and service was excellent. If anyone would like to comment on the price I paid, I'd be glad to hear. Thanks again everyone. Oh! Price for belt, tensioner assembly, and labor, was $235.00