Oldblue

And I have had the incorrect length belt issue from Gates and AC Delco! I got the correct belt and it has not been a problem for over 3 years now! It's a Goodyear Gatorback!
Do brew has a valid point about the AC clutch also
So please let us know the verdict what was the cause of the squeal!!!

suitcasejefferson

I have tracked the problem down to a pulley misalignment. It's a very slight misalignment. I cleaned off all the accumulated baby powder, and let everything dry. I started it up, and it made the noise. Not as bad as it has been, more of a chirp, like a hundred crickets under the hood. I sprayed just a tiny bit of water on the ribbed side of the belt with the engine running, and it immediately got completely quiet for several seconds. Another squirt of water quietened it again. The belt shows no wear after over 1000 miles, so it can't be far off. I'm basically a vintage car guy, so I'm going to take it to a shop that knows more about these serpentine belts than I do.

Thanks for all the help and advice. Much appreciated.

Don06

It has been my experience that Gates belts stretch. If it is the only brand available, you need to purchase one the next size shorter. The best solution is to find another brand like Dayco or Goodyear.

donbrew

I don't know how a pulley could become misaligned. A bad bearing, yes. A bent pulley, yes. A bad A/C clutch, yes.

The tensioner, alternator and A/C are all solidly bolted to the engine with no adjustment.

I have never had any problems with belts, ever. So I don't have any opinion on brands. Never paid any attention to the brand at all.