Squealing Belt
Asked by WheelmanSTP Jan 02, 2018 at 11:42 AM about the 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Hatchback
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
2008 impreza 2.5i 5spd
New belt installed 2 months ago.
Left parked outside overnight -25C.
Squealed after starting once revs came down to idle and went away when i
reved it up.
Also notice squealing when power steering operating, and engaging clutch
pedal. Even squealed getting onto highway when switching to 5th.
Any immediate flags?
-Stretched belt needs tightening?
-Pully loose for an accessory?
-Battery dying?
Any insight would be appreciated
8 Answers
oldcarpenter answered 6 years ago
is it a single serpentine belt? I assume it was fine (no noises, squealing) prior to the cold night? possible that the belt tensioner is weak and with the very cold oil and parts that it didn;t have enough tension...or its possible that the incorrect belt was installed( a little bit to long) and in the cold weather the tensioner could not put enough tension on it...does it squeal after the vehicle is at operating temperature?
WheelmanSTP answered 6 years ago
Single serpentine belt. I think it just “broke in” and needed to be tightened. Was a bit loose so we tightened it up and seems to be fine. Belt is like new still. Thanks for the reply Tomorrow morning will be the test!
oldcarpenter answered 6 years ago
let me know how you make out tomorrow, I would like to know......Brian
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 6 years ago
ALL 2000-2009 2.5i ps/alt serpentines require re-tensioning after a break-in stretching; a good wrench will know this, and rather than overtightening a new one and risking taking out the ps pump bearing s/he will tell you to return in a week to re-tension. Generally three full turns on the vertical adjustment bolt is just about right. The acid test is to lock the steering lightly just after a cold start. If it barely squeaks only then leave it alone. But if it squeaks until warmup then get out your 12mm socket, as this only takes 2 minutes.
WheelmanSTP answered 6 years ago
Exactly what we did. No issue this morning after tightening belt yesterday afternoon. Thanks for the info. Just joined the community here and so far feedback is awesome. Thanks for the quick feedback and best wishes for the new year.
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 6 years ago
BTW, if the ps pump HUMS loudly after retensioning you've OVER-tightened the belt and may take out the ps pump over time. PITA, so don't over-tighten it.
WheelmanSTP answered 6 years ago
Noted, Will keep an ear out. Used the old "width of the belt" twist for tension.
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 6 years ago
I just push on it. But either way is difficult to describe, as force is measured by repeated experience, not a gauge. Same with your "twist" method....but I like it.
