Fan Belts are Squealing now

[Bilito]

We have fout belts running off the drive shaft pully, Had a loud constant sqeal on the ac compressor belt, it took us about an hour to figure out what tools and how to tighten that belt. Finally got it nice and tight and now the power steering belt or power brake belt is loose and squealing.

These are the belts that came with the RV, I have no idea how old they are, the unit sat for 4 years before I got it so I am guessing they are around 7 or 8 years old.
I am thinking that I want to replace them all.

What is the absolute best brand of belt to buy.??

I heard THE GOODYEAR GATORBACK WAS SUPER STRONG AND LONG LASTING

Below is the fan belt diagram I received from freightliner, it is confusing to me, can any one figure from that the correct numbers for each belt I need except for the air pump belt, not using them.

[clyon51]

Haven't bought any V belts in years, so can't advise on brands. When they go bad, they begin cracking where they run through the pulleys. You could pull all them and check, but if you go that far you might as well just replace them.

Mt past experience to elininate squeals is to just tighten them good and use a good belt dressing. Belt dressing always worked for me when I didn't have the time right away to properly tighten them.

[chief02]

Over tighening will cause as much squeal and a loose belt and stress the brearing on pullys. Belts wear out with time as well as milage. Buy good quality. Adjust with 1/4" play up and down.

[BA-in-Mich]

Looks like my 454 only my air pumps are gone. I have owned my unit for 12 years and have replaced the belts twice. I always keep an extra set just for Murphy's law. I would say buy at a reputable car parts place. Kelly, Goodyear is usually what i have gotten in the past.

[tekrsq]

I always try to use "cogged" belts. The "DCO" belt number is a Dayco brand belt, I don't know what the other brands are. You should be able to take those part numbers to almost any auto parts store and have them cross reference the numbers.

As far as brands, the name brands are typically better. But let me say this: when I went to replace my belts, I bought all Goodyear brand belts. While the guy was ringing them up, I got to looking at them. They were all so old, they were cracked already. I went to several parts store, and had similar results. The reasoning was, the belts were so much more expensive, they didn't sell a lot of them, so they sat on the shelves for years and dry rotted. I eventually settled on the Dayco brand. They weren't the least or most expensive, but they were definetly fresh belts, that should last a while. And I also carry a set of spares just in case.

[Bilito]

Originally Posted by tekrsq

I always try to use "cogged" belts. The "DCO" belt number is a Dayco brand belt, I don't know what the other brands are. You should be able to take those part numbers to almost any auto parts store and have them cross reference the numbers.

As far as brands, the name brands are typically better. But let me say this: when I went to replace my belts, I bought all Goodyear brand belts. While the guy was ringing them up, I got to looking at them. They were all so old, they were cracked already. I went to several parts store, and had similar results. The reasoning was, the belts were so much more expensive, they didn't sell a lot of them, so they sat on the shelves for years and dry rotted. I eventually settled on the Dayco brand. They weren't the least or most expensive, but they were definetly fresh belts, that should last a while. And I also carry a set of spares just in case.

From my manual it states, "all RV and ON/VOY carburated models use conventional V belts for all drive belts" I did some checking and found that Gates invented the V belt and I am trying to get those belts straight from Gates. They have a really cool website, I just have to get the correct part numbers for each belt. I am gonna send them a copy of that diagram and let them figure out what the heck I need.
Anyone know what an ON/VOY is?

[grafxman]

I just got my class A '93 Winnie Warrior (454 engine) back from the Chevy truck dealer today. I put it in to have the belts changed. The A/C belt was squeaking constantly. It's the innermost belt so all the belts had to come off. I just bought 3 new belts at Autozone and gave them to the service manager. I think they were Dayco belts. Now, no more squeak.

[fredaevans]

Originally Posted by chief02

Over tighening will cause as much squeal and a loose belt and stress the brearing on pullys. Belts wear out with time as well as milage. Buy good quality. Adjust with 1/4" play up and down.

Yes, yes and yes.

Take the unit into a good Mic-a-nic and have him replace them all. As a DIY project this one is 'questionable.' Everything has a 'shelf-live,' these sound like they're beyond their 'expiration date.'

[jfran304]

I've always had good luck with Gates hoses and belts. The last time I tried to use a store brand radiator hose it didn't quite fit right and got sliced up by the fan belt. I switched back to a Gates hose and it fit perfect.

[Dave78Chief]

That drawing is easy to decipher once you turn it right side up. Only 2 options in the whole list.

Picture Key 1
Ford Air Pump Belt (48 States emissions) C9PZ-8620AH - Gates P/N 7470
Ford Air Pump Belt (California emissions) C9PZ-8620F - Gates P/N 7350

Picture Key 2
AC Belt (58") Gates P/N 9580 (Dayco P/N 17580)
AC Belt (59") No number provided
AC Belt (60") Gates P/N 9600

Picture Key 3
Power Brake Belt Gates P/N 8491

Picture Key 4
Power Steering Belt Gates P/N 8473

Picture Key 5
Alternator Belt Gates P/N 8129

You will need to work through AC and Air Pump choices (Is there still a readable # on existing belts? Actually, chassis starting serial numbers for the "xxxxxxxx" values are at the bottom of the chart. You just have to get the chassis serial number from you VIN (last 6 digits)

You might ask Gates if they have heavier duty belt replacements

Dave