Q: Car squeals

asked by on February 12, 2016

I bought a car, and the owner said he put a new tensioner on it, but said it was the short arm tensioner. The car squeals as a result.

Hi. The automatic tensioner in your vehicle is a one piece design. It comes mounted onto a bracket, if it is replaced completely. It is possible to only replace the pulley and bearing, but if the issue is with the tension spring, replacing the pulley will not repair it. A weak spring will cause the belt to slip and squeak. The only repair is to replace the whole assembly. If you need further assistance, I recommend you have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the squealing noise and suggest an appropriate repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Fan sounds like it is hitting something.
Hi there. It sounds like maybe you have a bearing worn out on a pulley or the fan bearing may be worn out. This will definitely cause the pulley or fan to sound like if it hitting another component on...
Timing chain valve is bad
A worn timing chain can cause some camshaft timing to become erratic and cause a host of engine running issues. However, there is a tensioner on the lower part of the engine that is supposed to remove the slack automatically...
Warning lights come on while backing down a hill, Infiniti G25
There is a short somewhere causing the lights to work intermittently. However, to provide more insight as to where the short might be, I would need to know exactly which lights are illuminating intermittently. I'm guessing that it is not...
My Enclave has 160 K miles on it and It's time for a new serpentine belt.The car has a thumping sound when I drive it.i turned the
The fact that this sound disappears suggests that it could be potentially a loose motor mount (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) depending on how severe the thumping sound is. If the serpentine belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement) has not yet been replaced with 160,000 miles on it,...
Transfercase won't engage into 4lo.
You should first lock in the front hubs and try to move forward in 4hi and then put it in neutral and shift to 4lo. It may take a little move forward and moving shifter to lock it in. My...
AC off - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Hello. Your Chevy Cruze uses a "heated" engine thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement) (under computer control) which has caused some problems. There is a Technical Service Bulletin (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-use-a-technical-service-bulletin-by-parker-hill) (301268) to address the "engine is cold" issue - software reprogramming). There are also multiple...
My actuator works backwards
Hello. We will need to observe several other factors in order to pinpoint what the issue is. When you say you are turning on the vents, what setting are you turning on when this happens? Is it all temperature settings...
Airbags were deployed. All airbags and damage have been replaced. How do I reset the computer? 2017 BMW X3
Hello - this problem requires a full-function, BMW specific problem scanner and reset tool. This is usually only available at a BMW dealer. I would expect to be charged for an inspection fee as well as the code reset function....
Someone tried to steal my car.
I believe the part you are referring to is the ignition lock cylinder. This is the part that you stick your key into to start the vehicle. If the ignition lock cylinder has been damaged by vandals, unfortunately it will...

Related articles

What Does It Mean When an Engine "Knocks"?
If your engine is making a knocking noise it means there's a problem. The wrong fuel octane, carbon buildup, and bad spark plugs can cause knocking.
How Long Does a Horn Switch Last?
With With all of the danger on the roadways, finding a way to keep yourself and your car safe should be a concern. A car has a variety of different mechanisms that are built into it that will allow for...
How to Troubleshoot a Car That Makes a Loud Screeching Sound When it Starts
Cars make a screeching sound when serpentine belts slip or crack. Lubricate car belts or have them replaced to fix the screeching noise.