On my 2000 Chrysler town&country I am hearing a squealing sound when the van first starts, but when I check the serpentine belt it seems nice and tight. I don't have any fan belts. What else should I check
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ANSWERS: 1
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You need to check to see if the bearings on one of the auxilaries is going bad. Alternators are especially bad about this. The bearings seem to 'seize' when the engine cools, but when you start it breaks them free -- with a loud squealing noise. Something which may help you locate the squeal is to have someone start the engine while you have the hood open and are staring at the engine. You can use a foam or paper cup with the bottom removed, or a rolled up piece of paper (think funnel) to help find the source by using the 'funnel' as a 'hearing aid' to locate the sound by direction. There are also inexpensive mechanic's stethescopes which are great for finding bad bearings. I doubt your problem is the serpentine belt as these often have ridges, which prevents slippage. But a seizing alternator (or other) bearing can cause the belt to squeal against the frozen or balky pulley. Good luck, and hope you find it soon -- the wear can degrade your serpentine belt fairly quickly!
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