Changing Belts. Help!

[DJ Hellfire]

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?

[vabeach_03]

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.

[faraco3]

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

[04 elantra cvvt]

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.

[jameswing]

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

[04 elantra cvvt]

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

[DJ Hellfire]

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?

[04 elantra cvvt]

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.

[cclngthr]

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.