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Squealing noise from engine bay - 2020 GMC Acadia SLT. Serpentine belt?

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David L. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:45 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 GMC Acadia SLT

Hi GMC forum, I'm hearing a pretty loud squealing noise coming from the engine bay of my 2020 GMC Acadia SLT. It's most noticeable when I first start the car, especially on cold mornings, and sometimes when I turn the steering wheel sharply. It usually goes away after a few minutes of driving, but it's starting to get more frequent.

I suspect it might be the serpentine belt. The car has about 60,000 miles on it. Is this a common issue for the Acadia at this mileage? How can I check if the belt is worn, and is it something I can replace myself? I've done oil changes and brake pads before, but never a belt.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:45 AM

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A squealing noise from the engine bay of your 2020 GMC Acadia SLT, especially on cold starts or when turning the steering wheel, is a classic symptom of a worn or loose serpentine belt. At 60,000 miles, it's definitely a good time to inspect it, as belts can start to show wear around this mileage, depending on driving conditions.

Here's how to approach it:

  1. Inspecting the Serpentine Belt:

    • Visual Check: With the engine off and cool, carefully inspect the entire length of the belt. Look for:
      • Cracks, especially on the ribbed side.
      • Fraying edges.
      • Missing chunks or glazing (a shiny, hardened appearance).
      • Contamination (oil, coolant) which can cause slipping.
    • Tensioner Check: While the engine is off, gently push down on the belt. There should be some give, but it shouldn't feel excessively loose. The automatic tensioner should keep consistent tension.

  2. Common Causes of Squealing:

    • Worn Belt: The rubber hardens and loses grip over time.
    • Loose Belt: The automatic tensioner might be failing, or the belt itself has stretched.
    • Misaligned Pulley: Less common, but a pulley that's not perfectly aligned can cause squealing.
    • Failing Accessory: A failing alternator, power steering pump, or AC compressor bearing can also cause noise, as the belt tries to turn a seized or stiff pulley.

  3. DIY Replacement Considerations:

    • Replacing a serpentine belt on a 2020 GMC Acadia is a moderately challenging DIY job. You'll need:
      • A new serpentine belt (ensure it's the correct length and number of ribs).
      • A serpentine belt tool (a long wrench with various sockets, specifically designed for tensioner pulleys).
      • A diagram of the belt routing (often found under the hood or in your owner's manual).
    • Steps generally involve: Relieving tension on the tensioner pulley, carefully removing the old belt, routing the new belt correctly around all pulleys, and then releasing the tensioner.
    • Safety First: Always ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal for extra safety.

When to See a Shop: If you're uncomfortable with the DIY process, or if after replacing the belt the squealing persists, it's best to take your Acadia to a professional mechanic. The continued noise could indicate a failing accessory pulley (like the alternator or power steering pump), a faulty tensioner, or a misaligned pulley, which requires specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and repair.

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