Here's a noisy Dodge Ram. To determine if that noise is a chirp or squeal, one method is to spray the rib side of the belt with water. If the noise diminishes or is temporarily eliminated and returns when the ribs dry out, the noise is chirp caused by pulley miss-alignment.
Checking Alignment
1. Disconnect the battery for safety sake.
2. Use a straight edge or laser tool to check alignment
a. (for either method the crankshaft pulley should be used for base or reference point)
Align the straight edge around the crank shaft pulley then using a caliber measure the distance from the straight edge to the top of the second pulley rib. Lock the caliber on this distance. Next maintaining the two point contact on the crank shaft pulley, proceed to another pulley and check the distance between the straight edge and the second rib on the pulley. Any variation in the distance indicates misalignment.
To use the laser tool, install it on the pulley being checked according to manufactures instructions. The power steering pulley is frequently the cause of misalignment because it is pressed on at the factory and not set to a stop point. The pulley is pressed on too little or too much. The correct install is to have the pulley even with the shaft. If the power steering pulley has been over-pressed a PS Pulley Pulling tool is needed. If the power steering pulley is "Under-pressed" a PS Pulley Installation tool is needed.
Another seldom cause of misalignment is the water pump pulley. If the water pump isn't leaking its ok... WRONG. The belt in the video is creeping out of alignment up on its elevation. The water pump has a bad bearing and should be replaced. The remaining pulleys in the drive should be checked. Look for damaged pulleys. Spin them listening for a grinding sound that indicates a contaminated bearing or free wheel which tells you there's no grease left. Also check for free rock, a little is acceptable but a lot means the pulley should be replaced. While the belt is off examine the tensioner movement through its total range. Binding, sticky or locked up are conditions indicating replacement. If a belt has been making noise chances are the edges have been damaged or the ribs have been glazed so a new belt should be installed. A belt routing guide is provided on the vehicle and on the back of Dayco serpentine sleeves. Be careful not to install the belt one rib off especially on the lower pulleys. This could cause the overhanging rib to be cut off or the entire belt could flip off. Have someone crank the engine and verify the belt is seated correctly in all the pulleys and is tracing properly. If everything is right start the engine. A properly aligned accessory drive will provide years of trouble free service.
Dayco Belts and tools are available at your neighborhood Pep Boys Auto Store or find out more online at www.PepBoys.com
Follow The Boys on:
Facebook: pepboysauto
Twitter: pepboysauto