A few months ago, my 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier started squealing when I would first start it or when I would start going from a stopped position (like at a red light or stop sign). I was told to replace my alternator. I replaced the alternator and serpentine belt. This did not ease the problem. The squealing would stop for a few days and then start again. I snapped 3 belts in a month time. I just recently replaced the water pump as well. The squealing stopped for a day and now it is back. It doesn't happen all the time. It mostly squeals when I first start it and start moving. What else could be wrong?

There are 3 reasons why a belt will squeal. If it is too loose, if it can't get traction or if it is trying to turn something that doesn't want to turn. You could try going 1 size smaller wirth the belt to see if that helps but I don't think it will. You should also check your pulleys for alignment. This is as simple as putting the belt on and looking at the belt from both sides, you are looking for a bends in the belt. If there is themn the offending part needs to be shimmed out or in with washers so it makes the belt line up with the rest of the system. There are 3 reasons why a belt will squeal. If it is too loose, if it can't get traction or if it is trying to turn something that doesn't want to turn. You could try going 1 size smaller wirth the belt to see if that helps but I don't think it will. You should also check your pulleys for alignment. This is as simple as putting the belt on and looking at the belt from both sides, you are looking for a bends in the belt. If there is themn the offending part needs to be shimmed out or in with washers so it makes the belt line up with the rest of the system.

With the belt off it is time to check things out. First, make sure you run your finger around each pulley, touching both insides. If there is any time your finger catchs on something, file it smooth. The inside of those pulleys must be perfectly smooth. Spin each implement to see if it turns smoothly. The new idler and alternator will be a little stiff but should be even. any hesitation or hard spot requiring extra effort to turn them means they should be replaced. They are defective and the new parts will be covered by warranty, Now put the new belt on and get someone to start the engine and rev it a bit while you watch the belt and pulleys. The crankshaft, at the bottom of the engine, turns the belt. The belt turns everything else. When the belt is squealing something will be turning at a different speed that the belt. That part is the problem and will need to be replaced. With the belt off it is time to check things out. First, make sure you run your finger around each pulley, touching both insides. If there is any time your finger catchs on something, file it smooth. The inside of those pulleys must be perfectly smooth. Spin each implement to see if it turns smoothly. The new idler and alternator will be a little stiff but should be even. any hesitation or hard spot requiring extra effort to turn them means they should be replaced. They are defective and the new parts will be covered by warranty, Now put the new belt on and get someone to start the engine and rev it a bit while you watch the belt and pulleys. The crankshaft, at the bottom of the engine, turns the belt. The belt turns everything else. When the belt is squealing something will be turning at a different speed that the belt. That part is the problem and will need to be replaced.