I am starting to get an AM belt squeal, so I am gonna change my belts. What I wanna know is are the belts the only thing that causes the squealing. The reason I ask is cuz in BMW's (I work for them) the belt tensioners also cause squealing when they go bad. I know our cars don't use tensioners, at least that's what the dealer told me when I went to buy them, but do our pulleys cause squealing as well. Or will I just be able to drop some new belts in and be good?

how long does the squeling last? i know it my old 75 nova it would make noises in the morning that sounded like belts quealing but it was just the alternator. and with a box in the back like you have it is a possiblity. i would have someone else start the car if possible and just stick your head under the hood and listen to where its comming from.

might just be the belts have some oil on them or they are a little loose

It is probably just the belts making noise. I would reccomend getting some made by Goodyear. They are called Gatorback Belts. They are cross-cut to run quieter and cooler therefore last longer. You might also check them to make sure that they are tight.

and check for wear. I helped my roomate change his alternator and his belt was almost split in two.

That is usually a good reason to change the belts. Just check them out, if the groved side looks shiny, change them.

Well I am sure the belts are done. I have about 67,000 miles and I never changed them. Plus they are starting to get little cracks. It only squeals in the morning when it's cool or wet out and on cool afternoons when starting cold. I have to do the timing belt too. Has anyone changed the drive belts and t-belt before? What's the process?

Drive belts are a snap, but as for that timing belt, I would let a shop do that. They have the required tools to do the job right.

The timing belt is not exactly a snap, but after removing the whole front of the engine it can be done. Very time consuming and a ***** if you want it done quickly.