Hi folks... So as the title suggests, i bought a new belt (gatorback 4061025) about 2-3k miles back.. eliminated a constant very low volume chirping when it was wet/damp. its a truck that i dont drive often so that was like 5 or so months ago. well, as luck would have it, im leaving for a 400 mile round trip drive with a trailer on saturday, and when i had it out yesterday and today ive noticed the occasional but constant very subtle belt squeaking. and then when it upshifts it gives a more noticeable squeal. its not like, ear piercing or anything... just noticeable. I'm a bit uneasy about it and looking for suggestions. The truck currently has about 120k on it.

 

What about that tensioner?

 

didnt replace it. assuming i should have? Think its ok to do the drive with it like this and replace it next week?

 

A personal rule of thumb for me. Belt and tensioner go together. Could be that under load/throttle, the tensioner isn't doing it's job as effectively. As long as it isn't squealing too much.... I'd say you'll be fine for a few days.

 

thanks. in all my years owning cars and working on them, ive somehow never dealt with serpentine belts...

next question.. should i also replace the tensioner and idler pulleys?

if yes, on rockauto.com they have grooved and smooth options. which do i want/need? and this might be a dumb question, but is their just one of each? the belt service "kits" show a belt, tensioner, and 3 pulleys.

 

The tensioner is the entire assembly (tensioner and pulley)
I would only replace the idlers if they're exhibiting lots of play or sound as if the bearings are wearing.
Your truck has both grooved and smooth pulleys

 

ohh, ok.

yeah, it doesnt sound like bearing noises. so ill just go with the tensioner.

my biggest fear is that its something with the power steering pump, alternator or AC. i turned the ac off on the way into work this am and it continued to do it, so i think im good there.... but a belt i could find and replace on the road... a power steering pump would be a very long, very expensive day.

 

Ehhh... I did my PS pump in 6 hours.
Just run the truck and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth (don't bottom it out either way) Listen for odd noises coming from the pump.

 

im not worried about the job itself, im worried about the tow all the way home with a trailer!

thanks for all your help. ill definitely check it out tonight. and i might try to get a dorman tensioner off of amazon. i think id prefer the motorcraft on rockauto, but the dorman can be here friday, where the motorcraft wont be here till well after the trip.

 

Why not parts store it?