squealing under electrical load

rockdemon

rockdemon

Administrator
Staff member
Hi everyone. Sleipnir has taken to squealing at low revs with the lights/heaters on. Two places i can think that would cause that are alternator or water pump bearings. Any clue as to how to check which it is besides listening carefully as it's pretty difficult to discern? Have i missed any possibilities?

Thanks

Rich
 
I've usually found it helpful to use a long-shafted screwdriver as a 'stethoscope'. Locate the end against the suspect unit and rest your ear on the handle - it's really evident when you get the point on the source.
However, are you sure it isn't belt slip - always the first suspect with a squeal.
John
 
definitely not slip. I'd forgotten the screwdriver trick.. i'll try that in the morning cheers :) i tried wd40 on the belt to verify that...
 
You 've got a squaling belt. Even if they are correctly tensioned, sometimes they like to squeal, especially after they got wet, or the air is humid.
WD40 will work, but only temporarily. Some silicone spray from the straw, is more of a long term solution.
 
It only does it if i turn all the electrics on. I was about to order a new alternator... I'll go and try some oil spray on it now. You may have saved me few quid ;)
 
You were absolutely spot on! Thank you - you win the award for saving me the most cash today :)

Demetris said:
You 've got a squaling belt. Even if they are correctly tensioned, sometimes they like to squeal, especially after they got wet, or the air is humid.
WD40 will work, but only temporarily. Some silicone spray from the straw, is more of a long term solution.
Click to expand...
 
rockdemon said:
You were absolutely spot on! Thank you - you win the award for saving me the most cash today :)
Click to expand...
I am glad that i have been of service! :)

I am also surprised that you have not yet encountered a squealing belt. They seem to be very common on all my cars with the old style V-belts, but a squirt of silicone lubricant will make them behave until the next time that they will get wet.
 
Hi Rich,

It will happen when under electrical load as the alternator is then much harder to turn. So the load on the fan belt will be greater at this time, hence increasing the likelyhood of squeal.

Ron.
 
The squeal comes from it slipping, I cannot see lubricating it will really benefit . Stopping it slipping is the answer ie a new belt correctly tensioned.
 
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