Hi,
I wrote in about a high-pitched squealing noise I had while highway driving that didn't reappear, and the response was: "Sounds like a/c compressor locking up,alternator bearings failing,or belt tensioner bearing failed.
Of the three,tensioner is most likely." My question is, my timing belt was replaced at 68,500. My Volvo has 136,425 on it now - and the aux. belt has never been replaced. Technically, the timing belt is due for replacement at 138,500, and is when I was going to have the aux. belt done as well. If in fact this noise I heard was a belt tensioner bearing, does the replacement of both belts and both belt tensioners (upwards of $500) seem indicated immediately, or can I drive it as is for another 2000K and deal with this repair then? I guess I'm trying to find out: if a belt tensioner bearing fails, does it render the tensioner inaffective, and will the belt then slip or break - or is a failed bearing not that critical? How many bearings do these tensioners have? Thanks for any input - I don't want to be unsafe, but if it's not a big deal, I don't want to have to shell out 5 bills.