The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

Squealing Noise from Engine Bay on 2020 S60 T6 - Serpentine Belt?

0

Paul Z. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:17 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design

Hi all,

I've got a 2020 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design, and for the past few weeks, I've been hearing a distinct squealing noise coming from the engine bay. It's most noticeable on cold starts, especially in the morning, and sometimes when I turn on the AC. It usually fades after a few minutes of driving, but it's definitely there.

My car has about 45,000 miles on it. Could this be the serpentine belt (or drive belt)? I haven't had any other issues, and the car seems to be running fine otherwise. What should I be looking for, and is this something I can check myself?

Thanks for any help!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:17 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds very much like your serpentine belt (also known as the accessory drive belt) is the culprit. A squealing noise, particularly on cold starts or when accessories like the AC compressor engage, is a classic symptom of a worn, glazed, or improperly tensioned belt.

Here's a breakdown of what's likely happening and what to do:

  1. Causes:

    • Worn Belt: Over time, the rubber material of the belt can harden, crack, or become glazed, losing its grip on the pulleys.
    • Tensioner Issues: The automatic belt tensioner might be failing, not applying enough pressure to keep the belt taut.
    • Pulley Problems: Less commonly, a failing bearing in one of the accessory pulleys (alternator, AC compressor, power steering pump, idler pulley) can cause noise, though this often sounds more like a growl or grinding.

  2. Visual Inspection:

    • With the engine off and cool, carefully inspect the belt. Look for cracks, fraying, missing ribs, or a shiny/glazed appearance on the ribbed side.
    • Check the tensioner for proper alignment and ensure it's not vibrating excessively when the engine is running (briefly, from a safe distance).

  3. Replacement:

    • If the belt shows signs of wear, it's a relatively straightforward replacement for a DIYer with the right tools (primarily a serpentine belt tool to release tension). It's often recommended to replace the tensioner and idler pulleys at the same time, especially if they show any signs of wear or if the car has higher mileage.

When to see a shop:

If you're uncomfortable performing the inspection or replacement yourself, or if the noise persists after a new belt is installed, it's best to take your S60 to a qualified mechanic. They can accurately diagnose if the issue is with a failing accessory component (like the alternator or AC compressor bearing) or the tensioner itself. A failing belt can lead to loss of power steering, charging system failure, or even engine overheating if the water pump is belt-driven, so don't delay addressing it.

Menu

Help & account