loud squeel from pullies

[glide]

This one has me stumped, when I start my car, there is a load squeel from the front of the car. The squeel changes based on me turning the wheel, shifting gears and accelerating.

Once I accelerate, the noise goes away. Upon further examination of the pullies, the only thing out of the ordinary is that the crankshaft pully moves in and out. The center of the pully doesn't move, just the outer ring. Everything is rotating properly.

Could it simply be that pully, or is more likely a bearing in the pully or something else?

Anyone else ever had this problem?

[zavikan]

I to have this EXACT problem, and I've desided its my power steering pump belt. Basing this on the fact I knew it was already going this summer, b/c of a slight squeel when I started the car that lasted maybe 30 seconds. Oh yea, and because I put belt dressing on it, and it stops IMMEDIATELY...course it only solves the problem for maybe 2 days...

[glide]

Okay, but have you noticed the movement on your crankshaft pully?
That can't be normal, or can it?

[SubaSteevo]

If your crankshaft pulley is moving it sounds like:
a) one of the belts is on too tight
b) it may be beginning to seperate from the damper in the center

The squealing is definately a bad belt or a loose belt

[TomsSVX]

this is definately a belt problem. i had a very similar problem. now when this squeals can you take your foot off the accelerator and make it stop? well if so shut your climate control off and see if the sqealing continues. if so it is the belt on your ac compressor. the pully movement shold just be normal wear. if it is not moving too much it;s fine that happens to almost any cars. if it is more than 1/4 to a 1/2 in. it is a problem.

[immortal_suby]

More than a few members here have had their crank pulleys separate. If your's is moving that much independent of the center of it I'd be prepared to replace it.

[glide]

Odds are I am do for a new belt and pully. The crankshaft pully moves around 1/4 of an inch. I tried to loosen the belt, it just made things worse.

Actually, stepping on the accelerator is what cures the ailment. At low idles everything is the worst, once things are spinning faster, they seem to right themselves.

Anybody ever replace that pully?
It can't be that hard, or can it?

[NikFu S.]

its time consuming and difficult if you dont have a good feel for it.

wow that sounds like some crap. it separates? do you think if the crank pulley eats thru the timing housing (plastic junk) thats a sign of it?

[glide]

It may sound like crap, but I can only tell you what I saw.
The outer ring of the crankshaft pulley slid front to back about 1/4 of an inch when I changed gears.

[NikFu S.]

what i meant by crap was "crappy", not that i wasn thinking its "bullcrap".
i believe you, much as i wish i didnt have to.

edit:
yet i wonder, how were you looking at the pulley and driving at the same time?

[Earthworm]

You need a new crank pulley soon or else you'll also need a new timing belt cover. The noise is the metal pulley slipping on the rubber dampener.