Drive Belt Noise
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Drive belt noise is an intermittent noise that occurs when the drive belt slips on a pulley during certain conditions, such as engine start-up, rapid engine acceleration or A/C clutch engagement.
Drive belt noise can occur under the following conditions.
- Any of the accessories are damaged or have a worn or damaged bearing or internal torsional resistance above normal. All accessories must be rotatable by hand in the unloaded condition. If not, inspect the accessory.
- Fluid gets on the drive belt. This includes power steering fluid, engine coolant, engine oil or air conditioning system lubricant. If fluid gets on the drive belt during repairs, clean the drive belt with soap and water, and thoroughly rinse with clean water. The drive belt does not have to be replaced if no apparent damage has occurred.
- The drive belt is too long. A drive belt that is too long will allow the drive belt tensioner arm to go all the way to the arm travel stop under certain load conditions, which will release tension to the drive belt. If the drive belt tensioner indicator is outside of the wear range window, install a new drive belt.
- The drive belt tensioner is worn or damaged.
NOTE:
The drive belt tensioner arm must rotate freely without binding.