High-pitched squeal, in gear, at idle

[jkm311]

2006 base with under 49k miles:Recently, when I approach a stop light, I begin to hear a high-pitched squeal. Not loud at all, just high-pitched (so far). If I put the Vibe in neutral, it goes away. Put it in park, goes away. Begin to accelerate, goes away. It's gotten to the point where I know the precise moment it will begin. With the windows down, I can hear it begin JUST before I come to a complete stop. So, under 10 mph.I have inspected the belt, as closely as I could, and I could not see any wear.And I'm surprised the squeal stops when I put it in neutral. I thought this would be nearly the same "stress" the belt would be under if in drive and I am at a complete stop. Any ideas? I'm hoping it *IS* the belt, so I can just go about replacing it. At nearly 50k, it wouldn't hurt, and I would have that added peace of mind.Help me, GenVibe. You're my only hope. Sorry, had to...

[ou.grizzly]

Serpentine + Belt Pulley Tensioner

[TONY TAT2]

Last winter my 85 was doing the same,if I reved it up the noise would stop,I kept driven it that way,finally the altenator seized,shreaded the belt etc. I was close to work so I just drove it there,a little tuff to stear without PS tho.

[Caretaker]

I've had a noise like that for over 5 years with my 03. Are you referring to the sound that lasts about 10 seconds, gets higher in pitch, and then stops with a small tick sound at the end? Sounds like something is preparing to launch into lower earth orbit, but then aborts at the last second. I've grown rather fond of my Kennedy Space Center noise.

[jkm311]

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »Serpentine + Belt Pulley Tensioner O.U., do you mean the tensioner you pull/leverage to get the belt off and on? Are you saying to replace it? Tighten it? Other? Will fixing the tensioner fix the serpentine? Sorry, kind of limited in my engine part knowledge.Quote, originally posted by Caretaker »I've had a noise like that for over 5 years with my 03. Are you referring to the sound that lasts about 10 seconds, gets higher in pitch, and then stops with a small tick sound at the end? Sounds like something is preparing to launch into lower earth orbit, but then aborts at the last second. I've grown rather fond of my Kennedy Space Center noise.This is not the exact sound. It is a constant pitch, when the engine is warm (idling low and in gear). it does not increase, and will only stop if I put the vehicle in neutral, in park, or tap the accelerator when in gear. No "small tick," either.Any suggestions, folks?

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by jkm311 »O.U., do you mean the tensioner you pull/leverage to get the belt off and on? Are you saying to replace it? Tighten it? Other? Will fixing the tensioner fix the serpentine? Sorry, kind of limited in my engine part knowledge.Usually the squealing is from either one of those items and the belt tensioner pulley + bracket on these cars do go bad quickly it seems (make squealing noises).

[jkm311]

So, no way of lubricating anything to help reduce the squeal? I'm very surprised I am dealing with this before 50k. What does a new tensioner cost?

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by jkm311 »So, no way of lubricating anything to help reduce the squeal? I'm very surprised I am dealing with this before 50k. What does a new tensioner cost?After searching and re-reading other threads, it seems when other members belt tensioners went, it made a "rattling" sound. I know on other vehicles when there are squeals, it usually is the belt and or tensioner. Any way you can jack the car up on all 4's when someone is in the vehicle while you have the hood open and listening to noises? Try that 1st before you start buying parts, do not want to spend it if you do not have to. As for lubricating, you could try hitting the idler pulley and see if that works. Make sure not to get any on the belt.

[jkm311]

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »Any way you can jack the car up on all 4's when someone is in the vehicle while you have the hood open and listening to noises? I wish. The best I can do (considering it doesn't squeal in park) is put it in drive with the e-brake on. However, I may just enlist the wife to keep both feet firmly planted on the brake while I dig my head in there.Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »As for lubricating, you could try hitting the idler pulley and see if that works. Make sure not to get any on the belt. Definitely staying away from the belt. My knowledge is limited, but not THAT limited. I will try this first. As it seems to be the easiest option and will only take a few minutes.Now, are we talking where the red arrow is pointing (my guess is yes), or the blue. Wasn't sure if the tensioner "assembly" would need lubrication as well. Couldn't hurt?

[jasonvibe]

here's an update...mine did the exact same thing . But not all the time. The squel was the top of the tensioner piston has a plastic cover that was rubbing. This was due to the lower bushing warn out. AND I had the "marble noise" too at high idle when cold start and in gear. I replaced the tensioner piston, no more noises. I did see the whole assy. is over $$110 vs, $40 for the pistion.

[Mrvsfriend]

listen around your engine and see if you can spot where the sound is coming from, you might start by replacing the belt tensioner bearing/wheel assembly as they are pretty cheap, sounds like you might have a bad bearing.http://www.theautopartsshop.co....html