Cold Start Troubles as well...

[haggis73]

Hi All,

Usually in the colder mornings I find that when I start the Mu (1st Time). Something starts to make a hellish screeching noise?

I am trying to work out what this is?

Also when I turn the Mu hard in a direction it makes a similar screeching noise?

Anyone got any ideas, appreciated?

Unsure if it is the belts and cv boots?

[James W]

A loose fan belt/alternator belt that needs tightening or replacing. Plus the power steering belt slipping on tight turns?

[justin]

Sounds like yer belts on start up. Check the tension as they will produce a high pitched squeal if they are slipping. Stuffed CV's normally make a knocking noise when you turn a corner. J

[haggis73]

How would you go about tightnening /replacing? Easiest method of removal? I gather 5minute job for experts, and a few hours and a lot of beers for us novices!

[Amber]

Yep, as above, power steering belts. I'd replace them as they will be worn but you could tighten them I guess but they may let you down suddenly as I have had. Usually a cup of water poured on them when they are squeeling will identify them as that usually shuts them up till they dry out again. To get them off you loosen the tension adjuster and mounting bolts on the power steering pump. Easy to do p/s belts and I'm a girl. I would check for cracks on the inside of the fan belt at the same time as that's slightly more important and probably the same age.

[Amber]

Book settings.

Fan belt deflection 8-12mm
Power steering belt deflection 14-17mm

[geeves]

My moneys on the power steer belts which is lucky as they are the easy ones to replace/adjust.
These are the 2 belts visable at the top of the motor They should have equal tension if not Replace them both without further diagnostics. To check the belt for wear twist the belt so you can see the underside Any cracking visable on either belt means replace ( you should also check the alternator belt at the same time This is the larger belt below and behind the 2 power steer belts) To adjust etc loosen the 2 14mm bolts in the front of the power steer pump bracket and also the nut on the back of this bracket (can be fiddly) Then wind out the long 14mm bolt that is in line with the belts till till it is about 2 cm out from current position. The belts can then be removed from all 3 pullys and wriggled round the fan. Refitting is the reverse and adjust to Ambers spec. If only adjusting belts dont have to be loosened but just release the 2 locking bolts and the nut then tighten with the long adjusting bolt. If the alternator belt proves to be faulty let us know. Its slightly harder (someones bound to question my defination of slightly)

[haggis73]

Cheers all.

Belts at the top for Isuzu Mu 96 can use Gates 13A1525 belts, the ones you referred to as power steering belts. I replaced these last year easily enough. I will retension these. The squeel does go away with the water added. What do people make of the CRC Belt Grip stuff on the market?

The other tucked further back and lower down, ( bloody awkward place ) that you refer to as the alternator belt is several years old. How would you go about replacing this? The belt currently there is a Mitisbushi 8970629131 ?? Try working out what belt is required in super cheap autos!! The belt looks fine enough, no wear or tear ( but this goes for the other two as well)!

[geeves]

The adjuster is part of the alternator bracket. Loosen the 2 bolts on the alternator from under the car Remove the battery and loose battery tray loosen the alternator bolt on the adjusting slide lever the alternator back till the belts tight then while holding in this position (with both hands) tighten the top alternator belt then tighten the 2 underneath Easy just like drinking Mangitinoka's finest ale

[3vilc]

i had the same problem with mine..bought new belts, still squeeling..seems one of the double pulleys is out of balance causing the 2 belts to spin at different rates..DOH.. quick fix, remove the outer belt, not the best but it works for now. what is the idea of using 2 belts as opposed to say a wide micro-v belt or the like? i wouldnt have thought it would be a backup belt as it only drives non essential ancillaries..although i wouldnt like to try steering my bighorn without the ps pump

[geeves]

Take the two belts off and check they are the same size. Ive been caught by this 2 belts with same number almost 5mm differant in length.

[3vilc]

That is a valid point, I will have to check that. Despite being the same part number, the print on packet labels was different I remember noticing when I brought them, as if from different batchs so that is a possability. But they definately spin at different rates as i lined the writing on the 2 belts up when i put them on and they are always in different places next time I look.
But with 1 belt absolutely no squeal

[JustinW]

The alternator belt size, and lots of other useful information is on the other Justin's website www.nsw.clubisuzu.com . I changed the alternator belt last weeekend and now have no squealling. But new belts do need to be retightened after a couple of hundred kms (and, based on my experience of squealling belts- fairly periodically after that!)

[haggis73]

Cool, www.nswclubisuzu.com Mu Parts . A life saver ;-)

Looks like I wil try tightening before buying new ones.