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Squealing noise from engine bay on 2016 S60 T5 - Serpentine belt?

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:57 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription

My 2016 Volvo S60 T5 with about 85,000 miles has developed a persistent squealing noise from the engine bay, especially noticeable on cold starts or when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. It sounds like a typical belt squeal to me.

I've checked the belt visually, and it doesn't look cracked or frayed, but it does seem a bit shiny. Is this a common issue for the T5 engine around this mileage? What's the recommended replacement interval for the serpentine belt on these cars?

Could it be something else like a tensioner or idler pulley going bad? Any advice on diagnosing this would be great!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:57 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

That squealing noise on your 2016 Volvo S60 T5 is a classic symptom of a worn serpentine belt or an accessory pulley issue. At 85,000 miles, it's definitely within the range where these components might require attention.

  1. Diagnose the Cause:
    • Serpentine Belt: The shiny appearance you noted is often a sign of glazing, which reduces friction and causes squealing. Even without visible cracks, a glazed belt can slip. The typical replacement interval for serpentine belts on Volvos is around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and specific model recommendations. Your mileage puts you squarely in the replacement window.
    • Tensioner/Idler Pulleys: A failing tensioner or idler pulley can also cause squealing. The bearing inside these pulleys can wear out, leading to noise and improper belt tension. You can sometimes diagnose this by carefully spraying a small amount of water on the ribbed side of the belt while the engine is running (be extremely cautious of moving parts). If the squeal temporarily stops, it's likely the belt. If it continues or changes pitch, a pulley is more suspect.
    • Accessory Components: Less commonly, a failing accessory like the alternator, power steering pump (if hydraulic), or AC compressor could cause drag and belt squeal. You can check for excessive play or noise from these components by hand (engine off!).
  2. Replacement Steps (DIY):
    • Gather Tools: You'll need a new serpentine belt, a wrench or socket to release the tensioner, and possibly a diagram of the belt routing (often found under the hood or in your owner's manual).
    • Release Tension: Use the appropriate tool to rotate the tensioner pulley, relieving tension on the belt.
    • Remove Old Belt: Carefully remove the old belt, noting its routing.
    • Inspect Pulleys: While the belt is off, manually spin each pulley (tensioner, idlers, alternator, AC compressor, etc.) to check for roughness, excessive play, or noise. If any pulley feels rough or wobbly, it should be replaced.
    • Install New Belt: Route the new belt according to the diagram, ensuring it's properly seated in all grooves, then release the tensioner.
  3. When to See a Shop: If you're uncomfortable performing the DIY, or if after replacing the belt the squealing persists, it's best to have a professional diagnose and replace the faulty pulley or accessory component. Ignoring a persistent squeal can lead to belt failure, which can leave you stranded and potentially cause damage to other engine components.
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