weird squealing noise

[RAM_007]

Hey Im new to the site and looking for some help. I have a funny high pitched squealing noise comming from under the hood of my 97 Ram. I took of the serpentine belt and the noise goes away. I turned all the pulleys by hand and they all turn freely without noise. I replaced the water pump about a year ago so i dont think its that.
Any input is greatly appreciated Thanks

 

[AWE Daniel]

Was the belt itself loose? Tensioner not working? Welcome to the site.

 

[ramthis9501]

Could be that the belt is worn out. Get a new one and see if that fixes it. Welcome to the forum! Post up some pics

 

[txbass06]

One way to check the tension of a belt is it should be tight enough for you to only be able to turn it 90 degrees between two pulleys that are farthest away from each other

 

[Bigtman07]

It could be a worn belt like others have said. It could also be the belt itself. I had that issue before checked all the pulleys and still couldn't get it to stop till I spent the big bucks and bought a gates belt. After I put it on no more squeel. So it could just be that particular belt.

 

[RAM_007]

I ended up replacing the bearings in the idler arm pulley and that took care of the noise. I was lucky to buy just the bearing at napa for a couple dollars instead of buying the whole pulley.
Thanks for the help

 

[adamwilkes14]

good deal!!!