Bartstarrr

I have a 2000 Taurus wagon with 59,000 miles. The serpentine belt started squealing after my wife drove through a few rain puddles after a heavy rain. I had a local mechanic change the belt, but after a few days it started squealing again. The same mechanic put some heavy weight gear oil on the belt, which kinda quieted down, but it started squealing again a few days later. Anyone know what may be the problem? Should I take it to the dealer and what price am I looking at to get it fixed?

Thanks

thefonz

That is not a mechanic if he is using oil to stop a belt from squealing. check to see if the belt tensioner is working properly. Also check to see if power steering fluid or oil is leaking onto your belt. Check other pulley's to see if they are ok.

RickMN

Try this article

Free-Auto-Repair-Advice: Diagnosing squeaks and squeals

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dac122

Yes, try article above using a stethoscope. Even a regular doctor's stethoscope will work.

I borrowed my wife's (she's a nurse) a few years ago to pinpoint a bad idler pulley. $20 later I was back in business (actually it might have been more than 20 as I replaced the serpentine belt at the same time).

Bartstarrr

The Fonz was right. It was the belt tensioner. I'm not much of a mechanic, so I took it to the dealer. He replaced tensioner and new belt (old one had the oil on it). Cost me $225, but now car runs great. Thanks.

thefonz

Glad you got it fixed!!