Troublesome belt SQUEALING!

[HOSTvallo]

Ok, I just crawled under her to tighten the alternator belt, I've got it at about 1/8" slack, pretty tight. But it still squeaks until warmed up for about ten minutes of driving. I can see the belt actually slipping at what I'm assuming is the air conditioner compressor.. belt is relatively new.. any hints?

[DCaff300ZX]

The A/C belt has an idler that you use to tighten that belt in a similar manner as the other belts

[HOSTvallo]

Should it still sqeal if the air is off? Also I have acceleration hesitation in gears 1-3 at 2rpm-3 1/2rpm.. was hoping it was from the alternator belt slipping but isn't.. I know of a few things it could be but does anyone know of a typical issue causing this with the Z? Thanks btw..

[Ace2cool]

It still could. Remember, the crank is always rotating all of the belts. Even if the compressor is switched off, if the belt is loose, it could still squeal. What brand belts are you using? Try some belt dressing spray on it if it actually is the alternator belt.

[HOSTvallo]

It still could. Remember, the crank is always rotating all of the belts. Even if the compressor is switched off, if the belt is loose, it could still squeal. What brand belts are you using? Try some belt dressing spray on it if it actually is the alternator belt.

Can't remember off the top of my head the brand, but dude it's tighter than a.. yeah.. very. I'll try the dressing spray and if that doesn't do it I guess it could be the compressor pulley itself? Looks like a b**** to get to without taking out the radiator.

Any clue on hesitation? I'm gonna start small and try a new fuel filter..

[nissanfreak12]

Have you checked the quality of the belt, is it glazes, dry, old? Have you checked the PS belt? This one gives me all kinds of problems especially if there is any kind of leak, then it doesn'yt matter how tight you have the belt.

[HOSTvallo]

Have you checked the quality of the belt, is it glazes, dry, old? Have you checked the PS belt? This one gives me all kinds of problems especially if there is any kind of leak, then it doesn'yt matter how tight you have the belt.

From the exploring I've done I can only see two belts. One is wider than the other (squeaking belt) and it looks brand new. Tight as it gets. I know for sure this is the belt squeaking because I can see it slip when I accelerate at the air conditioning compressor. So I'm thinking it's the bearing on the compressor pulley, the pulley itself or the entire compressor.. I got some belt dressing (smells just like WD-40) today and sprayed it a little.. hopefully it helps. Doesn't do it after I rev up to around 6/7k.. stops entirely.. like it has to warm up or get up to speed.. which really seems like the air compressor to me. This is from logic not belt/air compressor experience mind you.

[DCaff300ZX]

I'd go with taking off the belts and cleaning them thoroughly, and also the pulleys then reassemble. I had my replacement clutch fan go out when the goop in it began leaking out and onto the belts and pulleys, and it caused squealing until cleaned and even a little after that as it seems the belts get glazed. I swore it was the A/C pump or pulley bearing also as did my mechanic before we tried the belt cleaner and dressing, and it went away eventually.

[HOSTvallo]

I'm thinking about just replacing the compressor. It now makes some vicious sound when I start the car, not sure if it's going out or if that's normal during hot weather or what but combined with the squealing I'd be willing to bet on the former. I suppose I could clean the belts at the same time.

[fabbio25]

Make sure its not your power steering belt. I had a leaky ps pump that leaked onto the belt causing it to squeal. changed the pump and belt and squeal gone.

[Ace2cool]

Yeah, it's possible to have the belt too tight as well. That will also cause squealing, but more of a OMG MY BEARINGS ARE EATING THEMSELVES squeal. Similar sound, different problem. Check the FSM for the tension specs just to be sure.

[HOSTvallo]

I would consider the belt being too tight but I can actually see it slipping off of the air conditioner condenser.