Belt Tensioner Squealing

[Buddy67Lincoln]

I have a 2006 Sierra 1500 4x4 with L33 5.3. The belt tensioner is screaming. I had the truck sit for 12 days or so then started it up and it was quiet just to get louder and louder...now it makes me ears bleed. I have had this issue before but it went away and the truck has had 4 belts on it when it was under warranty. I do get a squeal when it starts up in the colder temps (below 55 degrees) and always when its damp outside. It always goes away after driving and warm up a few miles down the road. Sometimes is stays longer. But the noise now is terrible. I had it once before 2 years ago but it just went away 2 days later!

 

Should I be replacing the serpentine belt as well when I replace the tensioner? Also, is there a better aftermarket tensioner out there than this obviously lousy GM one. I am not going to have the dealer put it on, I will myself. Thanks a lot for any input. I hope this is not a future headache since I love this truck but this noise is embarrasing!

[oldmann]

My '06 silverado 5.3 squeels slightly from new at start up. Just get a new tensioner and see what happens.

[nickvrebel]

get a new tensioner from NAPA. You need to inspect your belt to see if it needs replacement, it's possible it's still good, but if it's squealing as much as you say it's probably toast.

[Buddy67Lincoln]

I would think its toast too but I will check. Like I said..it happened 2 years ago when I let it sit for 3 days and 2 days later it stopped! I was working a booth at our county fair for work and Jesse James had his trailer behind my display signing autographs and I had to leave real quick and started my truck up and it was so high pitched he had to hold his finger to his year and squint! The next day it didn't even make a noise!

 

 

get a new tensioner from NAPA. You need to inspect your belt to see if it needs replacement, it's possible it's still good, but if it's squealing as much as you say it's probably toast.

[GasHog369]

Couple months back i had my 2 tensioner's , and pulley replaced , and both belts all with dayco parts... She purrs like brand new now...

[bluArrow]

The bearing in the tensioner is going dry. Big problem with my previous Ford products. Get a new tensioner pully from NAPA and I believe it has a lifetime warranty as long as you have the receipt.