I have tried to find the answers but got lost in morass of “seat” belt tensioner recall stories for this model year (2007-great, something else to worry about)
This is the engine belt tensioner, a bad bearing apparently.
So, what will happen if/when it goes? If we’ve just noticed the squeal within the last 2 mos., how much longer can I expect to put if off? I would like to plan to have it done after the 10th of next month (Sept.) The guy at the quick oil change says it’s squealing
“under torque” which I take to mean hard acceleration, or is it any acceleration?
You’re probably safe for a couple of weeks unless you plan on taking a long trip. When it lets go the belt won’t drive any of the accessories. Assuming it’s a serpentine belt, you’ll probably notice that the power steering isn’t working which will make that big car about impossible to turn. Next the alternator light will come on. Shortly afterwards the car will start to overheat as the water pump isn’t turning. Did I mention the AC quitting?
BUT that’s a worst-case scenario. I’ve heard some cars with that squeal for what seems like years. If you can get it done sooner, better. However waiting less than a month is OK.
Make sure to get a new belt installed at the same time plus have the mechanic check all the driven devices for loose bearings when the belt is off.
Squealing under torque makes me think more that it’s a worn belt rather than a bad bearing. Is there any reason to suspect that it’s the bearing other than the quick change mechanic said so?
If it’s just a loose belt, I wouldn’t worry too much about it, although if it snaps then all of the things that JerrySTL mentioned will stop working. If it’s a bad bearing I personally would be inclined to get it fixed sooner rather than later, though if it’s just a couple of weeks of local driving then it’s probably ok to wait that long.
“Under torque” means that there’s a mechanical load on the belt, which isn’t necessarily under acceleration. The AC compressor is usually the biggest load on the belt. The AC system regulates the temperature and switches the compressor on and off to maintain the proper cold air temperature. The alternator also provide more of a load when you have more electrical things turned on, so turning on the lights will add more load from the alternator. Does it squeal worse when you turn on the AC?
Squealing can also be caused by the belt being worn or too loose, and can be caused by a failing component, like the AC compressor starting to go bad or the alternator starting to go bad. As these components fail, sometimes they add more of a mechanical load to the belt and cause it to slip.
Take it to a proper mechanic (not a quick change guy) and tell him that it’s squealing, and let him figure out what the actual problem is. I agree with JerrySTL that waiting a couple of weeks is fine.
As places for information on your car goes, the guy at the quick oil change place is pretty low on the list. If you are noticing problems with your engine, you probably should take it to a mechanic who knows your vehicle.
A couple of things the “guy at the quick oil change place” said don’t make much sense. One, it is probably the belt that is squealing, not the tensioner. You may just need a new belt. How long have you owned this car? Have you ever had the belt replaced? If not, this would be my first step; replace the belt. If a new belt is squealing, my first guess would be they put it on wrong (inside out). It happens. A Lot.
Two, it happens “under torque”? The belt will see the highest tension against the accessories when they are working hard and at lower engine speeds. By “working hard”, I mean your are turning the wheels (using the power steering), The AC is on, and you have lights, stereo, and other accessories running (using the alternator). Have you noticed the squeal? If you don’t hear the squeal, I’d be comfortable with waiting.
If you do need to replace the belt, on a car this age (and if you intend to keep the car for another 5 years), I would recommend replacing the tensioner as well as the idler pulley(s). I think there may be more than one idler pulley. You are talking about $200 in parts and probably an equal amount in labor. If you just want to replace the belt, they are about $50 (and probably an equal amount in labor) to replace. These are just ballpark numbers, your mechanic may charge more or less.
Thanks, all, yeah, despise the damn quick oil guys, wish they would just change the oil and stop the upsell crap. I wouldn’t be getting worked up, except a guy at work heard it about 2 mos. ago and couldn’t figure it out. A/C is always running this time of year. My “real” mechanic is aces, and he had it last Feb. so it’s due in and I will pass all of this along.
A lot? Not in my experience of fixing cars professionally for over 40 years. I have seen a handful of V belts that were twisted, though it wasn’t clear that they were installed that way. I’ve never seen a multi-rib belt installed inside out.