Complaint/Condition | Possible Cause(s) | Correction(s) |
|---|---|---|
Tension too High | Wrong belt. Belt routing and alignment on pulleys. | Replace belt, check belt, and pulleys for proper belt installation and alignment in grooves. |
Wrong pulley. | Check pulley diameters against another vehicle or good parts. | |
Tensioner inoperative. | Replace tensioner. | |
Tension too Low | Wrong belt. | Replace belt. |
Worn belt. | Replace belt. | |
Tensioner inoperative or broken internal spring. | Replace tensioner. (Do not attempt to repair) | |
Wrong pulley. | Check pulley diameters against another vehicle or good parts. | |
Belt Chirp | Wrong belt. | Check belt tension. |
Belt misaligned. | Check pulley alignment. | |
Belt installed incorrectly. | Check for belt alignment in grooves. | |
Tensioner inoperative. | Check belt tensioner motion. | |
Tensioner partially seized. | Check tensioner movement. | |
Intermittent Squeal or Whistle Noise Notice: Diagnosis is difficult. Requires accessory drive belt removal and engine cold starts to validate concern. Do not run engine for more than 3 minutes with accessory drive belt off. | Tensioner inoperative. | Check belt tension. |
Tensioner/idler pulley bearing. | Check tensioner/idler pulley bearings. | |
Tensioner inoperative. | Check belt tension. | |
Tensioner/idler pulley bearing. | Check tensioner/idler pulley bearings. | |
Wrong belt. | Check for proper belt. | |
Worn belt. | Inspect belt for wear and check tension. | |
Excessive pulley radial/axial runout. | Replace pulley. | |
Belt misaligned. | Check pulley alignment. | |
Water pump, power steering pump, generator, A/C compressor, tensioner or idler bearing/loads. | Check all accessories for bearing/component seizure. | |
Oil pump pressure regulator. | Replace oil pump pressure regulator valve. | |
Accessory Drive Growl with A/C On During Acceleration and/or Growl from Belt Tensioner. |
Important: Do not disassemble the belt tensioner. Belt tensioner (internal). | Check belt tensioner movement. Check belt tension. |
Water pump, power steering pump, generator, A/C compressor, tensioner, or idler bearing. | Replace faulty component. | |
Hoot or Growl Noise | Idler pulley bearing. | Replace idler pulley bearing. |
Important: Saturn service tool SA9217NE Chassis Ear Tool (or equivalent) should be used to locate source(s) of noises caused by vibration(s).
