Belt chirping - replace belt or tensioner?

[Birdie2000]

I know this is probably the dumbest question asked on here in ages, but both parts are f-ing pricey so I'd rather start with the one more likely to work.

2008 Impala 3.5l - serpentine belt chirps every time I turn the steering wheel while standing still or at a very low speed. The belt looks fine and I wouldn't think that it's worn after only 4 years and 56k miles, but who knows. Was gonna just replace the belt and see if that does the trick but at $35 I wanna make sure I'm not pissing into the wind.

So which part is more likely the cause of the problem?

 

[1BADAIR]

Probably tensioner .

 

[pntbllgamer]

Spray belt with WD40, if noise goes away belt is bad. You can use a belt dressing spray on the belt to make the noise go away temporarily though.

 

[ReiKo]

I know this is probably the dumbest question asked on here in ages, but both parts are f-ing pricey so I'd rather start with the one more likely to work.

2008 Impala 3.5l - serpentine belt chirps every time I turn the steering wheel while standing still or at a very low speed. The belt looks fine and I wouldn't think that it's worn after only 4 years and 56k miles, but who knows. Was gonna just replace the belt and see if that does the trick but at $35 I wanna make sure I'm not pissing into the wind.

So which part is more likely the cause of the problem?

Check PM...

 

[Birdie2000]

Thanks guys!

 

[Ponyryd]

Mark the direction the belt is spinning, remove it and re-install in in the opposite direction, possibly free repair.

 

[2MANYMUSTANGS]

Dayco has a free gage that you can use to detect excessive belt wear. You can get one at www.advanceautoparts.com/belts.

Even if the belt looks good doesn't mean that it isn't worn.