Squeaky pulley.. what the heck is it?

I did a quick search and I'm surprised that there isn't more to find.

 

I have a squeaky pulley and I can't figure out which one it is. Why? Because it seems that it only squeaks a bit when I first start up the car and I'm warming it up, but when I leave the parking garage. Whenever I stop the car to jump out, the squeak is gone, but while getting out of the 8th floor down, it certainly echos a little and I'd love to figure it out.

 

One thing I have not done is change the accessory belt, but when I inspect it, the belt looks fine. My car is an 05 5eat with 73K on the clock. I thought about doing the timing belt since it's getting old, but every thread mentions around 105K at best.. so that's totally good for me to wait another few years.

 

Any help someone can lend? Ie is there a more prone pulley? Even if I were to get it to squeak constantly, how do I figure out which pulley it is since they are all linked to the one belt? It's certainly not a slipping belt...

I see the A/C belt idler/tensioner pulley bearing fail frequently.

Hey Paul, that sounds interesting... so you think if I turn off the a/c completely to see if it'll quiet up, or since it's always spinning there's no way to diagnose it? Is it simply a pulley to change out and I can swap it along with an accessory/drive belt while I'm at it... or is it part of the entire a/c assembly?

 

Just looked it up on rockauto and see this:

 

GOODYEAR Part # 49029 http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/images/MoreInfo2.png A/C Drive Belt Idler Pulley; Belt Type: 4 rib Poly-V, Grooved; Flanged; Steel; Pully Width: 20.5mm; Bearing ID: 17mm; Bearing OD: 70mm

AC; Idler Pulley; Grooved Pulleyhttp://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=1333576&imageurl=http%3A//info.rockauto.com/Goodyear/49029_VIEW1.jpg

$29.79Add Part http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/images/AddToCart2.pngACDELCO Part # 38030 http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/images/MoreInfo2.png {#89032081} Steel V-Ribbed 4 Grooved (70mm x 17mm x 20.5mm)

PULLEY,BELT IDLER A/Chttp://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=506551&imageurl=http%3A//images.wrenchead.com/smartpages/partinfo_resize/DUS/38030.jpg

$31.79Add Part http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/images/AddToCart2.png

New update, the squeak is only when the car is in drive, if I'm going down the parking lot and put it into neutral the squeak dissappears.. I turned on and off the a/c with no change. Not sure if it's pure logistics of load on the belts when in drive, or if it can indicate the correct pulley to replace?

I've seen a lot of Subaru's with belt noises. Most of them are when the engine is cold and at a lower rpm, this sounds like what you are describing.

 

My fix is to apply a little bit of "water based valve grinding compound" to the rib side of the belt (ENGINE OFF!!) The compound may increase the noise for a couple minutes, but will remove the shine or polish that the pulleys have on them. That is typicality why belts make noise.

 

You can pick up the valve grinding compound at any Napa. This works on any car. I've been doing this for years to help get rid of unwanted belt noises.

 

Keep in mind, this is only if there is no other problems in the system like a bad bearing. But if you are unsure if it is a bearing or belt its a quick $5 test and may solve your problem.

 

Good luck!

Spraying a little brake clean on either belt while the car is running will let you know if its the belt or pullies.

I have a squeak that randomly occurs only on start up only some times for only a split second... I had many things replaced because of it and in the total of 9 days Subi had my car there was never a diagnosis or a fix. The plus was that I got my timing belt done for free. The down side was they stated my car was idling normal when it clearly was not and is now throwing a CEL with a cyl 3 misfire and my plugs are new. Keep on keeping on OR die trying!

I did a quick search and I'm surprised that there isn't more to find.

 

I have a squeaky pulley and I can't figure out which one it is. Why? Because it seems that it only squeaks a bit when I first start up the car and I'm warming it up, but when I leave the parking garage. Whenever I stop the car to jump out, the squeak is gone, but while getting out of the 8th floor down, it certainly echos a little and I'd love to figure it out.

 

One thing I have not done is change the accessory belt, but when I inspect it, the belt looks fine. My car is an 05 5eat with 73K on the clock. I thought about doing the timing belt since it's getting old, but every thread mentions around 105K at best.. so that's totally good for me to wait another few years.

 

Any help someone can lend? Ie is there a more prone pulley? Even if I were to get it to squeak constantly, how do I figure out which pulley it is since they are all linked to the one belt? It's certainly not a slipping belt...

 

Most likely you need to replace and/or tighten the drive belt, we've seen this a lot especially when the weather changes.

 

-Mike Paisan

 

http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/145749898/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://www.whiteline.com.au/images/logos/perf1.jpg

11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts.

Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us.

Like us on Facebook! | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber |AIM: AZP Installs

"Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!"