I have noticed that my xB has been making this loud, annoying squeal. It isn't all the time and it isnt very long (no more then 2-5 seconds). It seems to stop when I rev my engine. I dont know if my belts are bad or maybe they just need to be tightened?! I keep hearing there's tension bolts to tighten and others are saying dont tighten the bolts and Im confused. If I do have to, how would I do so? Who knows, maybe this isnt even a belt issue. I took it to Scion and of course we started it a few times there and it decided to not make the noise then. I have no clue what is causing it. It's embarrassing, lol.

Thank you so much for any info or advice.

 

how old are the belts? have you replaced 'em recently?

 

I have been having the same problem except its not that loud and only goes away when i step on the clutch, people tell me that its because i went turbo but i have no idea

 

I got the car in 05 (its a 04) and I have not replaced them. Some have said to replace them and others have said to just tighten the tension bolts or something and it'll be fine. Think I should just get new belts and replace them? Can this be done with basic tools?

 

replace 'em both and it can be done with simple hand tools

the only pita is tightening the PS belt

http://scionlife.org/Scion_Docs/2004...eplacement.pdf

on the fan belt you do not need to loosen bolt B

 

I get the same noise when it is cold and turn on the heater and when I hit water and it goes into the engine. I also notice that when I am at park and take off it squeals like a heck and then goes away. I have tried the belt noise lubricant and does not last. I changed the belts to get rid of it a the dealer, but it still did it, but it has been so long the warranty is null.

I have read to use a bar of soap to make the squeal go away. How can I make it stop.

 

There is a proceedure to check the belt tension - so many millimeters deflection with a little push on the belt. You don't want the belt too tight or you damage the tensioning pully bearing or the water pump bearing - too loose the belt will slip and polish the pulley on the alternator which is usually the one causing all the noise. Any electrical load - brake lights, heater, just starting the engine, headlights all add more load to the alternator and can cause the belt to slip and squeel. Cleaning the belt grooves with a toothbrush and soap and water is supposed to be the best thing to solve the problem or changing the belt. You may have to readjust the belts after a week of use as it breaks in a little and stretches initially. If you can move the belt up and down along the straight run on top more than about 3/4 inch using your fingers with moderate pressure it is too loose.

 

go here,
http://tijil.org/Scion_TSBs/eg03107.pdf

explains everything.dont replace your belts until you try this, i had the same problem, and after adjusting the belts it was fine. gotta remember tho, its a small engine and sometimes its just got to warm up. if u notice the noise is only in the mornings or when its cold theres probably nothing wrong with your belts. youll just have to suffer through the noise till it heats up, like my car.

 

Today between5-6pm and temperature around 48 degrees I turn on the fan on high heat and at a park or slow take off, it begins to squeal and this is when the motor is warm and have been driving for many hours prior. I turn off the fan and it goes away. Just annoying as heck.

Something about turning on the fan causes it to squeal.

 

check the taughtness of all the belts. if that dont do it, and your belts arent showing any odd wear, we can just add this to another scion mystery. ive hard and seen this sooooooooooo... many times. usually an adjustment does it, but for some people there just stuck with the noise. i havent seen any ill effects from the noise yet tho. even the dealers are just gunna tell u its a normal noise.ive been shown fresh scions off the lot, 0miles!, makin the noise! i do feel your pain tho, it sounds nasty.

 

That is the big serpentine multi-groove alternator/waterpump/AirConditioner belt slipping on the alternator when you load it down with the heater fan electrical load. You need to just tighten it a little before you burn up the belt too much or wear out the grooves in the alternator pulley.

 

Same issue here. Didn't do it til I drove it through a muddy wet and rocky four wheeler road. Don't ask. Stupid idea but the car handled well until it started having this problem. Sometimes it will even do it when the fan is off.
Anyways, did you ever figure it out?