Squealing Noises....

[peterc.lewis@blueyonder.co.uk]

Like a bus my posts. None for ages then they all arrive at once.

Firstly thankyou to those that have replied to my posts over the last couple of weeks. I now have a 1998 Avensis with all the right bits replaced and adjusted. Changing the plugs seems to have had the most dramatic effect and the engine seems to be running much smoother now.

All that is left is the noises I assume are coming from the auxiliary belts. I replaced them all as they were looking a bit old and worn out. Now I get a lot of noise when then power steering is being worked and a bit of a chirp from the alternator belt at start up.

I'm no pro-mechanic and am wondering how tight the belts should be is the Haynes manual accurate?

Cheers,

Pete.

[gazza1286]

Are they genuine belts or copies?

You may find that copies (in particular) will stretch somewhat after fitting and may need re-tensioning. The setting according to the handbook are:

7A engine (1.8)

alternator - 11.5 -13.5mm across the top

Power steering 6.0 - 8.0mm across the top

Air Con 8.5 - 9.5mm on the bottom run.

Thumb force (used belt)

The power steering housing needs a pry-bar to lever the housing backwards to achieve so little deflection.

I tend to leave the belts as slack as I can get away with. Rather that then damaging the pulley wheel bearings.

[peterc.lewis@blueyonder.co.uk]

They're copies.

I was worried I might have them too tight but if I needed a pry bar on the power steering belt it sounds likethey may be too slack. 6mm does not sound like a lot of delfection at all .

I'll give it a day or two then adjust them.

Thanks again , most appreciated.