Source
r/MechanicAdvice•
HubertFluff

2001 Hyundai Elantra GT belt/engine squealing after first startup when cold.

I have been getting a squealing sound coming from my engine after the car first starts up after sitting and not being used. It only seems to happen when the car is cold i.e. first startup in the morning or after sitting in the parking lot all day after work. It also usually only makes the squealing noise while turning the wheel. After my car warms up the squeal disappears. I recently had the timing belt, water pump, and lower controller arms on front wheels replaced within the last couple of months. Any ideas what could be the problem? Thanks

Posted Dec 18, 2012, 7:17 PM UTC

15
agravain•

did they replace the belts when they did the timing belt?

3
imprl59•

Sounds like your serpentine belt is loose or worn.

3
[deleted]•

Sounds like a loose/worn belt. Fairly inexpensive and not difficult to replace.

3
Pops__Racer•

Your mechanic should have replaced the serpentine accessory belt when he did the water pump. Any time wearable part such as belts or hoses are removed as part of a procedure, they should be replaced! (this is to prevent you from paying labor charges twice, this is something good techs always do). Even if the belt looks good it can squeal because of dry rot/age. You can spray the belt with a light mist of water while it is squealing to confirm this is your noise, but resist the temptation to use 'belt dressing' or spray lubes (they will splatter across the engine and cause dirt to cake onto parts and wiring).

3
socket_wrench•

Serpentine belt. If it's excessively cracked, it needs to be replaced, but if it's in decent condition, spraying it with some silicone spray lubricant (something like this) while the engine's running will stop the squealing.

0