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Below is a collection of Jim Grant's Tech Tips sorted by Vehicle Make. These Tech Tips were answers to questions submitted to Jim by ALLDATAdiy.com users over the course of many years.
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  Jim Grant's Tech Tips

91 Chevy Beretta, Belts Screech
Q:
I have a '90 Chevy Beretta with over 221K miles on it. It has been a very good car. The last two winters though, I have had a problem with the belt screeching when the weather gets cold. I have tried lubricant and also changed the belt. I am not sure if it is the belt. Some mechanics suggest it might be the fuel pump. Does a fuel pump make noise before it goes out? I am not getting straight answers so I am hesitant to do this repair.

A: The fuel pump is in the gas tank of your vehicle. Is the screeching noise coming from the back of the car or the front? The most common problem we see with a vehicle of your type is a tired (weak spring) automatic belt tensioner. With over 200,000 miles the automatic belt tensioner could easily be worn and failing to hold the proper belt tension on the serpentine/fan belt. Also, be sure that the belt is correct for the application. We have found that some manufacturers try to make one belt size fit too many different applications, a little tight on some and loose on others. One other note, never use a lubricant or belt dressing on a serpentine belt to quiet belt noise. If the belt is noisy or squealing it is in need of attention.

 
     
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