Squeaky pulley?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Southwest Missouri
Squeaky pulley? I have a pulley that's really annoying. The belt doesn't look bad so I don't think that's the problem and I took off the AC belt because it was cracked it didn't look good. Can somebody tell me what the problem is or what I need to do?
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
It could be rusted on the inside. Mine was squeeking pretty badly (new belts), so I just sprayed some WD-40 into the shaft while the motor was running. Just make sure you don't get any on the belt, or else it might squeek.
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Elk Grove, California
I've heard the 2 pulleys that usually go bad on F Body's is the AC condenser and AC tensioner. I have the same problem on mine, I've been neglecting it and damn it gets annoying listening to it squeak all the time.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Southwest Missouri
Yeah, except I'm running neither of those pulleys right now and it still squeaks lol.
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Elk Grove, California
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Southwest Missouri
Well I've narrowed it down to two pulleys. Autozone had three pulleys under idler pulleys and I was able to eliminate the compressor and narrowed it down to alternator/power-steering and the main pulley. No idea which one I need!
Trending Topics
Mine does the same thing and its my Main Crank Pulley. I can spray my belt (3rd One I've put on) with some Silcon Spray and it will stop for a little while then just comes back... My dad told me to sand or scuff the pulley which I haven't tried yet.... Just an idea...
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
The first time it was the tensioner pulley (main belt)
I changed that and it was good.
Now it started squeaking again and now its the idler pulley for the A/C
A simple way to check is:
Take off your belts and spin all the pulleys
Listen closely and if it doesnt spin freely then its probably bad.
Also make sure it doesnt sound abnormal (mine sounds like it has rocks spinning inside)
I had this issue for about 6 months.going through,wasting money Nd time on pully replacement n such. Turns out 98-02 ta/camaros had a recall on their alternator bracket. I went to a dealership, ordered new one (ill get you part number later today). It was like 35$ and took about an hour to change but now my car roars like it should without that annoying chirping
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Elk Grove, California
I had/have the exact same problem.
The first time it was the tensioner pulley (main belt)
I changed that and it was good.
Now it started squeaking again and now its the idler pulley for the A/C
A simple way to check is:
Take off your belts and spin all the pulleys
Listen closely and if it doesnt spin freely then its probably bad.
Also make sure it doesnt sound abnormal (mine sounds like it has rocks spinning inside)
The first time it was the tensioner pulley (main belt)
I changed that and it was good.
Now it started squeaking again and now its the idler pulley for the A/C
A simple way to check is:
Take off your belts and spin all the pulleys
Listen closely and if it doesnt spin freely then its probably bad.
Also make sure it doesnt sound abnormal (mine sounds like it has rocks spinning inside)
PS: yes it uses the same belt it just fits to the block better.
Last edited by Fst_Byrd; Jan 26, 2012 at 04:07 PM.
the TSB covers all LS1s before 2000...........there was a mid yr change in 2000......all brackets on production cars after the change have the new P/N and the only pulley that fits the new bracket is listed in there too.........so make sure you get the correct pulley for the right bracket
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Maybe I missed it but have you checked to see if it your actual alternator? I've never heard of the bracket causing a squeak because of misalignment but who knows. I've had 2 alternators start to squeak and each time I couldnt tell just by spinning them by hand. Unhook your belt and pull up on the alt pulley and turn it back and forth applying a good bit of pressure upwards on the pulley, this was the only way i could hear mine squeak by pulling up on the alt itself you simulate the load of the belt.
@ Sjsingle: I heard that as wwell but i used my same old pully on the new bracket and it worked fine?
@ dog-two: pullys are cheaper so good call trying it first, but i wouldnt go replacing every one on your pully system...gets pricey then....trust me!! but if that doesnt fix it i would bet ya iits that bracket
@ dog-two: pullys are cheaper so good call trying it first, but i wouldnt go replacing every one on your pully system...gets pricey then....trust me!! but if that doesnt fix it i would bet ya iits that bracket
