Screeeeetching noise from belt when heater or lights are on..any help?

[H Singh]

hi guys (16v mk2)

over the past week or two ive noticed that at night if i have my lights on and my heater the car making a screetching noise im assuming its the alternator belt. if u have just my fan on in the daytime i get the same thing. anytimes that i have the fan on and lights, just fan and occasionally just the lights when the car is stopped stationary and i move off it happens. has anyone else got this issue and does anyone else have any ideas of how i can fix this as its very annoying when driving!

cheers

[oakgreener]

Try a new belt before anything else. Belts get a shiny surface and lose grip over time

[H Singh]

i have a new one laying around in the garage ill give that a shot first but whats the likely hood its the belt?

[Diamond Hell]

Pretty strong - it might even just need re-tensioning.

[H Singh]

okay kool i shall maybe try tightening it first and if not change it. thanks

[iain cooper]

try a wee bit of talcum powder on the belt first, sprinkle some on with the engine ticking over.

just make sure your hands are away from the belts/pulleys when doing it.

Iain