Hi,

This sounds like a simple problem but I thought I would get the wisdom of the forum on this. My 240 has three fan belt circuits. Dual belts from the crankshaft vibration damper / fan pulley and alternator, one belt between the damper and A/C compressor and one belt from the A/C compressor to the power steering pump. Each circuit makes it's own noise from a high pitched whistle to a low Waa, Waa, Waa sound. Applying belt dressing makes the noises even louder. Frighteningly louder. The belts are Volvo brand from the dealer. I bought the car from someone who only put 10,000 miles on it between 2001 and 2005. Does anybody have similar symptoms with their 240? Belts appear OK, but could the rubber be old? Volvo belts no good? Too much belt dressing, etc.?

Thanks,
Mark

Hi Everybody,

Thanks for all your help. All the belts were shot. They were hard and sunk down below the edges of the pulleys. The A/C compressor was also slightly out or alignment with respect to the crankshaft and the power steering pump. I used a washer to bring it back into place. All the rubber mounts are getting hard and one has a minor cracks in it. I may have to replace them sooner or later but for now everything is straight and runs quiet. All the information you all gave me shortened my repair time because I knew what to look for immediately.

Thanks,
Mark

I had similar sounds from my belts too. Replaced all the belts with new ones and now I drive around in peace and quiet! Ed
--
'90 245DL, 5 speed, 320,xxx miles Looking to meet other brickers in Oregon. I travel up and down I-5 often and enjoy meeting for a beer in different towns.

rhaire is right, be sure to check the harmonic balancer. Failure can be a nasty (read: expensive) surprise.

The alternator and p/s pump are mounted on rubber bushings. They can fail, allowing the pulley to get off-plane.

Look from the right side across the plane of the alternator-to-balancer plane. If the alternator bushings are failing, it will be obvious. Belts and balancer define the plane, alternator pulley will be at a slight slant to that plane. Same deal on p/s-to-compressor belt plane.

Belts are still available from Volvo (I think) and other sources. Volvo is the best, far from the cheapest. At least get alternator belts from Volvo, then you are sure of getting a matched set.

If the mounting bushings have failed, replace them first as new belts won't help.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Volvo belts are the best. How is the harmonmic balancer center rubber. Perhaps the halves are slipping, that can make a heck of a squeal. The pulley will get very hot if this is what is going on, caution.