Squelching belt problems

[rks171]

After about 70 k miles, my belt started screeching, so I changed it. It was quiet for maybe 10 k miles, then slowly started screeching again. I ended up changing it again around 110 k. This new one is not screeching, but it's more of an intermittent squealing sound. Normally, I have the heat and blower on due to the time of the year. I have found that if I turn the blower off, the squealing slows down and stops. It does this weather the defrost is on or not.

Now, when it makes the squealing sound, I can hear the blower kick down, like it's losing power. When the squealing stops, it resumes its normal frequency. I'm guessing the belt is slipping and reducing the power output of the alternator, which is why the sound change.

I'm starting to think this is not a problem with the belt, but with a component on the belt. Maybe a bearing is going and when the bad component starts grinding, it's making the belt slip and reduce power output of the alternator.

So what are all the components on there? I see the engine, the alternator, and two other things. Is that the water pump on the bottom?

Another possibly related problem is that when I come to a stop or coast while idling (not hitting the accelerator), I car sometimes vibrates violently, sounding as if it's going to stall.

I'm thinking it might be a bearing going on one of the components, but would greatly appreciate any of your feedback or suggestions for testing and finding the root of the problem as I'm no professional mechanic.

[WeeYari]

The belt drives the alternator, water pump, and the a/c compressor. Bearing could be going on the a/c. Take all tension off of the belt and spin/wiggle the various pulleys. See if you can hear any grinding or rubbing sounds, as well as feel any free play.

[rks171]

I'll give that a try tomorrow. Thanks for the tip.

[CTScott]

The intermittent squealing says that the belt is not properly tensioned. Some brands of belts (specifically Dayco) are a bear to get tensioned properly on the Yaris.

[rks171]

This belt is actually a Prestone. The last one was a Dayco. Figured I'd try a different brand. The Dayco would squeal continuously, especially when you first start the car. Sometimes it would keep squealing until you were driving down the road, shifting into the next gear. I read some of the other threads on here and I'm thinking I should have just went with a Bando from the start.

[CTScott]

This belt is actually a Prestone. The last one was a Dayco. Figured I'd try a different brand. The Dayco would squeal continuously, especially when you first start the car. Sometimes it would keep squealing until you were driving down the road, shifting into the next gear. I read some of the other threads on here and I'm thinking I should have just went with a Bando from the start.

The Prestone belts are reported to be horrible. Gates are my personal favorite.

[harda toenail]

I've been having the same issue. Where's the cheapest place to pick up a Gates belt?

[CTScott]

I've been having the same issue. Where's the cheapest place to pick up a Gates belt?

NAPA. Their own branded belts are made by Gates.

[junorico24]

Don't use Dayco use the OEM toyota brand.

[IllusionX]

Use OEM or trust CTScott. :)

I have a goodyear belt and it's alright. Had to tension is a bit more than i thought.

[CTScott]

There's definitely nothing wrong with OEM Toyota belts, but they do tend to be more expensive and for some, their nearest dealership is not all that convenient.

[esse10]

I went with the cheapo DAYCO but I did have to re-tension it twice to get it right and keep it from squealing. 10 minute job if you put anti-seize on your alternator bolts for easy tight/re-tight.