Serpentine Belt Noise - OEM vs. Parts store variety?
 

Hi All:

Been fighting squealing issues for some time - in my 2005 Limited. (It's not any of the pulleys or the tensioner) Replaced the S-belt 6 months ago (Gates) and it was fine. Till about a month ago when it all came back. There are tons of articles out the re: diagnosing belt squeal - the water spray test would seem to point to misaligned pulleys, but I'm not seeing any evidence of that.

There were also a couple of responses indicating that people finally had to go to OEM Mitsu belts to stop the noise. Have any of you had issues with aftermarket belts vs. OEM? The price difference is very steep indeed - or else I'd just try one.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Ron

either the Continental Elite or the Goodyear Gatorback belts are the best. no need to feed the OEM brands

I've been fighting this issue for last couple of years. I had to replace a bearing in the AC hub and I believe since that time my pulleys are just ever so slightly out of alignment. I've tried Gates and Dayco belts and both of them worked at the beginning but after few month (before next oil change) the annoying squeal comes back. It did not occur to me to try an OEM belt at this time. Used them in the past and they lasted very good time. Few month back I've installed a Continental 4070950 belt (same type as Gatorback). This seem to have solved the issue. I will still try to re-align the pulleys one of these days, but this belt is working better than the others I've tried so far.

Thanks people - much appreciated.

I just ordered that Conti/Goodyear belt and will report back once I get it installed. They certainly make a point of touting its noise reduction technology. I hope it works!

Ron

Reporting back. I've had the Gatorback back belt on for about a month now. Perfectly quiet so far.

Had this issue on my montero using Dayco/Gates belts. It doesn’t annoy me much since the noise can’t be heard inside the cabin....if it does...i’ll try the gatorback belts as i’ve read a lot of good things about it....