I recently began to have a squeaking or squealing noise from engine when I accelerate and drive at a sustained speed. As soon as I let off the accelerator the squeal stops. I traced the noise to the power steering pulley and if I spray the pulley with a little WD-40 the squealing temporarily stops. So I assumed it was the pulley or the pump itself. But in reading some posts here I learned that the problem could also be the serpentine belt. I also read that you should not be able to twist the belt more then 90 degrees at the longest straight part of belt. I can easily flip my belt 180 degrees at that point of the belt. The appearance of the belt appears ok no glazing or cracking that I can see. I do not know when last time it was replaced but I do know Ive put 120,000 miles on this belt myself as Im the second owner. Is it possible the belt just needs to be tightened? Or with that many miles on it does it just need to be replaced seeing as I can flip it easily 180 degrees? Im just trying to replace the correct part and can not take this god awful squealing anymore LOL. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thx in advance Jeff

 

First thing I would do is change the belt.

 

I have seen the tensioner pulley bearings get worn and start squeaking. Like scuba said, start by replacing the belt. While you have it off, turn each pulley by hand. They should turn freely and quietly. Any rough or notchy feeling could be the issue.

 

I will try replacing the belt today. I was thinking it was possibly the power steering pulley as I each time I spray it with WD-40 the squeal stops. But maybe some of the WD-40 is getting on belt as I spray pulley.