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wierdkid
Dodge Dakota
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4/22/2008
13:30:18

Subject: '97 3.9L with belt squeal
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Just yesterday my accessory belt started squealing on my '97 3.9L. It only happens when I start the engine cold and when I put the transmission into gear it lessens or disappears all together. Any ideas on the cause? bad belt? belt tensioner? Thanks



ftheabus
Dodge Dakota
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4/22/2008
14:10:58

RE: '97 3.9L with belt squeal
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When was the belt replaced last? Replaced mine recently and noticed the tensioner was shot (no spring). Makes the noise you describe.



wierdkid
Dodge Dakota
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4/22/2008
16:48:03

RE: '97 3.9L with belt squeal
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I got it used in 2004 (put approximatley 15K miles on it since then). The belt has not been replaced since I got it



Jimmy9190
Dodge Dakota
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4/22/2008
20:30:23

RE: '97 3.9L with belt squeal
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I bought my Dakota used too, with 42,000 miles on it and the belt squealed real bad until I replaced it. Then it kept slinging the belt off, right when I would start the engine. I tried a new tensioner from Autozone and it still kept throwing the belt off and chewing up one side of it. I noticed the AZ tensioner was made differently from the factory one, so I bought an identical replacement tensioner from Napa. I also bought the good quality Napa belt, about $48.00. I have had absolutely no belt noise or belt/tensioner problems since then. If you remove the belt and can move the tensioner more than 1/2" or so by hand, the tensioner spring may be worn out, which can also cause belt slipping and noise. The noise goes away when the truck is warmed up due to friction on the belt.

Jimmy



Mike98
Dodge Dakota
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4/26/2008
02:54:09

RE: '97 3.9L with belt squeal
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Unless you know that belt is relatively new, just go buy a new one. Consider it preventative mantainence.

While you're changing it, spin each pulley by hand to see if there are any problems. Especially the water pump.

I just replaced mine with a gatorback belt, it fixed the chirping at idle I had since winter. Easiest fix yet.



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