Drive Belt Diagnosis. Cadillac Catera 1999

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 1999 🢒 Catera 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.0L 🢒 Drive Belt Diagnosis

Drive Belt Diagnosis General

Noise

Definition

DEFINITION: The following are symptomatic noises and characteristics of the drive belt system.

Multiple-ribbed drive belts wear evenly under normal conditions. Unusual wear and/or noise indicates a correction is needed.

Chirping

•	A high pitched noise that is usually heard once per revolution of a pulley or a belt.

•	It is most common on cold, damp mornings.

•	Verify this condition by squirting water onto the belt. The noise will momentarily stop.

Squeal

•	A loud screeching noise that is caused by a slipping belt (this is unusual for a multiple ribbed belt).

•	The noise occurs when a heavy load is applied to the belt, such as an air conditioning compressor engagement, snapping the throttle, or slipping on a seized pulley.

Rumble

•	A low pitch tapping noise caused by belt misalignment.

•	This noise occurs on cold start-up at idle.

Whine

A high pitched continuous noise that may be caused by a failed component bearing.

Faint Cycle Rumbling

A low frequency noise heard once per revolution of the belt.

Piling

•	The random accumulation of rubber dust in the bottom of the multi-ribbed belt grooves.

•	A small amount of piling is normal.

•	Operation of the drive belt system will not be effected unless the buildup exceeds one third (1/3) of the belt groove depth.

Step	Action	Yes	No
DEFINITION: The vibration is engine-speed related. The vibration may be sensitive to accessory load.
1	Check the drive belt for wear, damage, debris build-up and missing belt ribs. Is the belt worn or damaged?	Go to Step 2	Go to Step 3
2	Replace as necessary. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement . Is the repair complete?	Go to Step 3	--
3	Check for loose or missing fasteners. Are there loose or missing fasteners?	Go to Step 4	Go to Step 5
4	Re-tighten or replace as necessary. Is the repair complete?	System OK	--
5	Check for damaged or bent drive pulleys. Are there damaged or bent drive pulleys?	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 7
6	Repair or replace as necessary. Is the repair complete?	System OK	--
7	Check for proper tensioner operation. Refer to Drive Belt Diagnosis Is the drive belt tensioner operating properly?	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 8
8	Replace as necessary. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement . Is the repair complete?	System OK	--
9	Check for loose, bent or cracked brackets. Are there loose, bent or cracked brackets?	Go to Step 10	System OK
10	Repair or replace the brackets as necessary. Is the repair complete?	System OK	--