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Home >> Cadillac >> 2006 >> STS Base, 3.6 7, RWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different variant/trim >> Section 18 (Engine Mechanical - 4.4L - Introduction) >> Diagnostic Information and Procedures >> Drive Belt Chirping, Squeal, and Whine Diagnosis >> Test Description

Test Description

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. 2:  The noise may not be engine related. This step is to verify that the engine is making the noise. If the engine is not making the noise do not proceed further with this table.
  2. 3:  The noise may be an internal engine noise. Removing the drive belts one at a time and operating the engine for a brief period will verify the noise is related to the drive belt. When removing the drive belt the water pump may not be operating and the engine may overheat. Also diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may set when the engine is operating with the drive belt(s) removed.
  3. 4:  Inspect all drive belt pulleys for pilling. Pilling is the small balls or pills or it can be strings in the drive belt grooves from the accumulation of rubber dust.
  4. 6:  Misalignment of the pulleys may be caused from improper mounting of the accessory drive component, incorrect installation of the accessory drive component pulley, or the pulley bent inward or outward from a previous repair. Test for a misaligned pulley using a straight edge in the pulley grooves across two or three pulleys. If a misaligned pulley is found refer to that accessory drive component for the proper installation procedure for that pulley.
  5. 10:  Inspecting of the fasteners can eliminate the possibility that a wrong bolt, nut, spacer, or washer was installed.
  6. 12:  Inspecting the pulleys for being bent should include inspecting for a dent or other damage to the pulleys that would prevent the drive belt from not seating properly in all of the pulley grooves or on the smooth surface of a pulley when the back side of the belt is used to drive the pulley.
  7. 14:  This test is to verify that the drive belt tensioner operates properly. If the drive belt tensioner is not operating properly, proper belt tension may not be achieved to keep the drive belt from slipping which could cause a squeal noise.
  8. 15:  This test is to verify that the drive belt is not too long, which would prevent the drive belt tensioner from working properly. Also if an incorrect length drive belt was installed, it may not be routed properly and may be turning an accessory drive component in the wrong direction.
  9. 16:  Misalignment of the pulleys may be caused from improper mounting of the accessory drive component, incorrect installation of the accessory drive component pulley, or the pulley bent inward or outward from a previous repair. Test for a misaligned pulley using a straight edge in the pulley grooves across two or three pulleys. If a misaligned pulley is found refer to that accessory drive component for the proper installation procedure for that pulley.
  10. 17:  This test is to verify that the pulleys are the correct diameter or width. Using a known good vehicle compare the pulley sizes.
  11. 19:  Replacing the drive belt when it is not damaged or there is not excessive pilling will only be a temporary repair.
Drive Belt Chirping, Squeal, and Whine Diagnosis

Step Action Yes No
NOTE: Refer to Belt Dressing Notice .
DEFINITION: The following items are indications of chirping:
  • A high pitched noise that is heard once per revolution of the drive belt or pulley.
  • Chirping may occur on cold damp start-ups and will subside once the vehicle reaches normal operating temperature.
DEFINITION: The following items are indications of drive belt squealing:
  • A loud screeching noise that is caused by a slipping drive belt. This is unusual for a drive belt with multiple ribs.
  • The noise occurs when a heavy load is applied to the drive belt, such as an air conditioning compressor engagement snapping the throttle, or slipping on a seized pulley or a faulty accessory drive component.
DEFINITION: The following items are indications of drive belt whining:
  • A high pitched continuous noise.
  • The noise may be caused by an accessory drive component failed bearing.
1 Did you review the Symptoms-Engine Mechanical operation and perform the necessary inspections? Go to Step 2  Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical 
2  Verify that there is a chirping, squealing or whining noise.
Does the engine make the chirping, squealing or whining noise?		 Go to Step 3  Go to Diagnostic Aids
3 
  1. Remove the drive belt.

    If the engine has multiple drive belts, remove the belts one at a time and perform the test below each time a belt is removed.

  2. Operate the engine for no longer than 30-40 seconds.
  3. Repeat this test if necessary by removing the remaining belt(s).
Does the chirping, squealing or whining noise still exist?		 Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical  Go to Step 4 
4  If diagnosing a chirping noise, inspect for severe pilling exceeding 1/3 of the belt groove depth.
If diagnosing a squealing or whining noise, proceed to step 13.
Does the belt grooves have pilling?		 Go to Step 5  Go to Step 6 
5 Clean the drive belt pulleys with a suitable wire brush.
Did you complete the repair?		 Go to Step 20  Go to Step 6 
6  Inspect for misalignment of the pulleys.
Are any of the pulleys misaligned?		 Go to Step 7  Go to Step 8 
7 Replace or repair any misaligned pulleys.
Did you complete the repair?		 Go to Step 20  Go to Step 8 
8 Inspect for bent or cracked accessory brackets.
Did you find any bent or cracked brackets?		 Go to Step 9  Go to Step 10 
9 Replace any bent or cracked accessory brackets.
Did you complete the repair?		 Go to Step 20  Go to Step 10 
10  Inspect for incorrect, loose, or missing fasteners.
Did you find the condition?		 Go to Step 11  Go to Step 12 
11
    NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice .
  1. Tighten any loose fasteners. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
  2. Replace any incorrect or missing fasteners.
Did you complete the repair?		 Go to Step 20  Go to Step 12 
12  Inspect for a bent pulley.
Did you find the condition?		 Go to Step 18  Go to Step 19 
13 Inspect for an accessory drive component seized bearing or a faulty accessory drive component.
Did you find and correct the condition?
If diagnosing a whining noise and the condition still exists, proceed to Diagnostic Aids.		 Go to Step 20  Go to Step 14 
14  Test the drive belt tensioner for correct operation. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis .
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 20  Go to Step 15 
15  Inspect for the correct drive belt length.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 20  Go to Step 16 
16  Inspect for misalignment of a pulley.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 20  Go to Step 17 
17  Inspect for the correct pulley size.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 20  Go to Diagnostic Aids
18 Replace the bent pulley.
Did you complete the repair?		 Go to Step 20  Go to Step 19 
19  Replace the drive belt. Refer to Supercharger Belt Replacement , Water Pump and Air Conditioning Compressor and Power Steering Pump Belt Replacement , or Generator Drive Belt Replacement .
Did you complete the repair?		 Go to Step 20  Go to Diagnostic Aids
20 Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?		 System OK Go to Step 3 
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