New belts squealing...where to start?

[lylefk]

Hey so I had the timing belt and tensioner replaced along with all other belts and water pump about a month ago on my 92 325ic...

They squeal from 1400-2200rpm roughly when the car is first started...sometimes it's one squeal and done, sometimes it does it for 10 minutes...REALLY annoying...

I've never had this issue with other cars, so I don't know what do do really...they squeal why? Because something is out of alignment? Which would suggest water pump or tensioner maybe? Why would an out of alignment problem be rpm specific and only when cold? I dunno, I'm guessing and lost and uninformed. Is the tensioner too loose?

Suggestions? I realize it's a basic question, but I haven't worked on these motors before and don't know if there's a common/typical solution here...but I do have tools now and would prefer not to take it back to the shop...

Thanks!

Lyle

[mikegar]

it might not have been tightened enough, check the play in the belts.

[Rolla1990]

They tend to stretch a little after the first few minutes of running. I would check them for proper tension.

[SpecM]

what brand of belt did you use?

[gtdragon980]

same!! my fuckin alternator belt keeps squealing after two FREEKIN new belts!!

[mikegar]

make sure when you adjust the tensuon that all the bolts are loosened, then when it is tight enough tighten them

[DCColegrove]

Take sandpaper to the pulleys to deglaze them (in the "v"), then adjust the belts to spec.

I only use Continental belts at the shop.

[lylefk]

When you say "tight enough" and "check tension" and such...how tight should they be? How do I know what is correct? Thanks!

[bimmerboy12]

I usually tighten so that there is a total of about 1" (+- 1/2") of slack when push/pull midway between the pulleys. Too tight and you will prematurely wear out the bearings. Search for timing belt issues, I started a thread where my timing belt was the one making noise, turned out the new tensioner was faulty. If it is the timing belt the results could be disastrous. Remove the other belts one at a time to narrow down to the culprit. I also see you are in WA, if it is cold as shit the power steering belt will typically squeal on startup due to viscosity of psf.

[lylefk]

I'm wondering if it may be the power steering belt, I'm now also getting some noises as I turn the wheel when it's cold. Ill start there.

[xcmorgan50]

Use the Contitech belts...i heard the bav auto ones dont fit right

[norcalE30]

I only use Continental belts at the shop.

+1 on conti belts

[Farbin Kaiber]

Brand of belt makes a large difference.

[E301718]

what i do is tighten the belt so u can barly qwist the belt 180'

[StereoInstaller1]

if it is cold as shit the power steering belt will typically squeal on startup due to viscosity of psf.

ATF, not PSF, but yeah...conti belts, clean the damn pulleys, check alignment, all the general stuff.

I just don't understand why people think these motors are so different. They work just like any other motor, only better and easier to understand.

I mean, c'mon...belt tightness is the same on ANYTHING that uses V belts and pulleys...from an air compressor to a table saw to an alternator, all V belts are the same. Just so happens that the slickest tension adjuster is on the M20!

Luke