Lately I have noticed that my belts are making a squeek while the engine is running. I have been told that they are dry rotten and that I will need new belts. Do you think they just need to be adjusted? I dont know when the last time they were replaced, matter of fact I have never changed them since I have owned the car. Still it would be nice if I could just get them adjusted. I have a 1975 Cadillac.
You can spay them with belt dressing. They sell it at a lot of auto parts stores. Comes in a spray can. If that dont work you can try adjusting them. A 1975 cadillac is pushing some years. Might just be best to replace them. The old V belts are a pain I know, but that is why they did away with V belts.... Because they dont last long.
Try the belt dressing first, if that dont work I guess you are in for some work.
Yes it is true that the old V belts do dry rot and the contact areas often get glazed over making that very sqweechy sound that annoys the crap out of you. Heck I even see it on newer serp. belts also but they have automatic tensioners that keep the slack out until it ultimatly breaks.
A loose V belt can be tightend a little. You dont want to get carried away or you could burn up the bearing on whatever accessories the belt wraps around. If after a little tightning you notice the sound has subsided but you can still hear them more than you would like, it would be time for a new set of belts.
Belt dressing does help a little but I find that it wears off after a week or sometimes sooner. I have seen belts with a million cracks, yet make no noise and I have seen belts with no cracks but extreemly glazed over squeeking like a banchie.
On a 1975 Cadillac I feel your pain. There are a lot of brackets and the job will take some time and a few scrapes on the hand if you plan to do it yourself. I think there is about 4 or 5 v-belts on a 1975 Cadillac so I would do them all at one time. Buy a good brand of belt or OEM Delco if you can get them. If not Dayco or Goodyear have all been good belts for American cars.
-- Edited by SELLC at 05:09, 2007-06-21
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
I am sure if the belts get dry after certain time period there must be some solution for the same in auto mechanic stores. Though I haven't experienced it as yet.
Definitely true when you live in a hot climate like I do here in Texas. I find that blinker fluid helps to lubricate quite a few systems on the car, including the belts. While was originally designed for the blinkers, it works very well for other stuff.
LOL
While you are at it,
-- Edited by SELLC on Thursday 30th of August 2012 08:17:59 PM
__________________
What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
Definitely true when you live in a hot climate like I do here in Texas. I find that blinker fluid helps to lubricate quite a few systems on the car, including the belts. While was originally designed for the blinkers, it works very well for other stuff.
