Belts recommendations?

[dannmarr]

My belts always squeal at low rpms. I bought new belts, checked the fluids, tightened the tensioner, but the belts seem to slip. I use belt dressing and it helps for awhile. Are there different types of belts that are better than others? Any recommendations? Or maybe I should try different pulleys?

[benebob]

Have you checked the bearings and pulleys?

[dannmarr]

How do I go about checking them? I already rebuilt the PS pump.

[kjoyes]

Alt. & P.S.
Automotive V-Ribbed Belt (Standard) K050345
High Performance Automotive V-Ribbed Belt K050345RB (Blue)

A.C.
Automotive V-Ribbed Belt (Standard) K040335
High Performance Automotive V-Ribbed Belt K040335RB (Blue)

[dannmarr]

Thanks for the info!
The Alternator/PS= 34"
The A/C=33"
The problem I'm having is the belts seem to long.
I'm at the end of the adjustment.
I know the belts stretch with time, but can I go a little shorter?

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by kjoyes

Alt. & P.S.
Automotive V-Ribbed Belt (Standard) K050345
High Performance Automotive V-Ribbed Belt K050345RB (Blue)

A.C.
Automotive V-Ribbed Belt (Standard) K040335
High Performance Automotive V-Ribbed Belt K040335RB (Blue)

I have the blue gates alt/ps belt and it has held up quite well, and doesn't seem to have stretched noticeably in the last ~2 years. Plus, it's blue.

[dannmarr]

Originally Posted by dannmarr

How do I go about checking them? I already rebuilt the PS pump.

To answer my own question, I used a stethoscope to listen to the bearings. No grinding. I then sprayed some belt dressing and the noise stoped. It's time for new belts.

[Green1995SVX]

I usually use Continental belts as they are very affordable and high quality. I have found, though, that the OEM subaru belts have a fuzzy coating on the inside. I'm not certain as to why it's there. Perhaps for more quiet operation? It's somewhat unique.

[dannmarr]

I bought some Gator belts from Good Year. I am still having the same problem I had in the past, not the squealing issue but the size of the belts. They fit exactly to the extent of the tension pulley can go. They bottom out, so the belts can't be tightened further than I am accustomed to. Is this the way it is on our cars?

[icingdeath88]

Maybe it's the wrong size belt? Or maybe you can get one that's just a little bit smaller so it will fit and be tightened the right amount.

[dannmarr]

Originally Posted by kjoyes

Alt. & P.S.
Automotive V-Ribbed Belt (Standard) K050345
High Performance Automotive V-Ribbed Belt K050345RB (Blue)

A.C.
Automotive V-Ribbed Belt (Standard) K040335
High Performance Automotive V-Ribbed Belt K040335RB (Blue)

These are the numbers I used and they are the ones recommended on websites and part stores for our car. It's strange we have so much play on the adjusting pulley only to set it at it's max. Does anyone else have this issue?

[SVX92-97]

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