Intermittent Screech from 2006 HHR

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09-20-2018, 03:11 PM

vettman

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Join Date: 08-18-2006

Location: Northern VA

Posts: 33

Intermittent Screech from 2006 HHR

After startup, car not driven for a couple of days, I get a screech from engine compartment. Frequency is function of engine RPM. Screech disappears after about 5 minutes of engine operation, and doesn't reappear until cold start-up after a couple of days sitting. I believe it's the serpentine belt *it does show some wear at 12 years and 73K miles. Anyone care to offer an opinion?

Thanks

09-20-2018, 03:20 PM

donbrew

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Join Date: 01-23-2009

Location: Fredericksburg,VA

Posts: 24,728

The belt, the tensioner, the alternator, the AC compressor. Get a mechanic's stethoscope ($5-$10 at HF).

09-20-2018, 03:37 PM

Oldblue

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Join Date: 10-13-2011

Location: Welland,Ont Canada

Posts: 36,569

I recommend replacing the tensioner and belt and pulley together, but the tensioner pulley can be replaced by itself.
I found the tensioner had relaxed and was causing my squeal last fall.

09-20-2018, 03:55 PM

Doc brown

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Join Date: 04-07-2008

Location: Wisconsin

Posts: 1,051

12 year old belt? Even if it's not worn looking it's probably getting hard and slides on the pulleys until it heats up a bit. So even with low mileage it's over due to be replaced. I neglected mine once and one day it literally fell apart.