Squeaking belt fix (Page 1/3)
FireStorm102389 OCT 09, 10:59 AM
So I have a 4 cylinder 86 fiero and I was doing some research on why the new belts we buy squeak. I guess they make standard belts but we have non standard pulleys so they don't make as much surface contact in the groove as they should like the stock belts that came with them.

I also found some people talking about auto tensioner that helped the problem but those looked like they were for the v6's. Also found some people talking about an idler pulley. But I couldn't find anything on google search for a bolt on.

The idea is since the belts don't make as much surface contact that we put in an idler pulley so that the belt wraps farther around the pulleys for more surface contact which fixes the problem. Does anyone know of a link or something for an easy bolt on for this? Or do I just buy a pulley and bolt it onto one of the studs sticking out above the harmonic balancer?

[This message has been edited by FireStorm102389 (edited 10-09-2015).]

jaskispyder OCT 09, 11:51 AM
First, get a name brand belt (Goodyear, for example)
Second, properly tension the belt.

These two things should resolve the issue

(I have owned all years of fieros and multiple V-belt equipped vehicles and other belt driven items).

[This message has been edited by jaskispyder (edited 10-09-2015).]

FireStorm102389 OCT 09, 02:19 PM
The belt is properly tensioned. However I just got an autozone cheapy for the belt. I'll have to keep that in mind. Don't feel like spending the extra money on getting a new belt right now so I'll have to wait unfortunately until it really bothers me lol.
jaskispyder OCT 09, 02:35 PM
Gatorback belts usually work well. Also, when you say properly tensioned, what does that mean? did you follow a service manual? Too tight is also bad.
steve308 OCT 09, 03:51 PM
Also ----when the belt is off ---clean the pulleys of all grease, old rubber dust, and rust. And don't waste your time on a 'cheap' belt because that is what it will sound like ---- Get the name brand Goodyear - Dayco or Gates ----- See rockauto.com if your local stores only carry a house brand because that is most likely the lower quality belt.
Rodney OCT 09, 06:10 PM
Many years ago someone with a 4 cylinder Fiero stopped over and we talked about designing an idler kit for the L4's. Looking at his L4 engine I could see there was no easy attachment points to mount an idler. Now maybe if I had a 4 cylinder Fiero sitting here for a few/several days I could maybe come up with a bolt on idler kit design for the L4. I'm usually slow on these things but in time I have (many times) come up with an ingenious idea/fix etc. Some things I maybe thought about for many years and then one day I have an idea and that is how it can be done. Dodgerunner also mentioned many years ago he was looking to make a idler kit for the L4's but he has never done such. So I'm guessing it is not easy? You need good places to bolt the bracket on and it has to be precise when mounted so everything lines up etc. The attachment points also have to be strong.

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Rodney Dickman

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Patrick OCT 09, 07:47 PM

quote
Originally posted by Rodney:

Many years ago someone with a 4 cylinder Fiero stopped over and we talked about designing an idler kit for the L4's. Looking at his L4 engine I could see there was no easy attachment points to mount an idler.



Unlike a serpentine belt (as found on the 2.8 and '87-'88 2.5), a V-belt is not designed to be bent "backwards"... as most (all?) idlers are required to do in order to add tension. Is that a surmountable problem for the '84-'86 dukes... or not?
FireStorm102389 OCT 09, 10:09 PM
It is a gator belt but it is a cheapy. The wp and alt are new, cleaned the crank pulley, and I followed a service manual for tensioning. Must just be a cheapy belt.
viperine OCT 09, 10:45 PM
I have always heard continental makes a fantastic belt (same as the tire manufacturer) and that they designed a belt that shrinks when warmed up (engine running) to ensure the best seating possible. I like gatorbacks myself, had one break and the backing let me drive home safely somehow. I was willing to try Continental's, but could never find a dealer or a size chart for them. Lastly, you could buy a can of belt dressing to address the squeal.
theogre OCT 09, 11:37 PM
See my Cave, Serpent Belt
V belts hate most of same issues.

"The belt is properly tensioned."
How did you measure this?
Too tight is bad or worse then too loose.
Get Small Krikit tool. Google: krikit gauge.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

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