What causes a belt to squeal on my car when starting it up? It's one large squeal when first starting the car, then it's quiet. Which belt might this be?

Hi JT
It's more than likely your fan belt on its way out (may be showing signs of fraying? or have a "flat" spot/ missing "teeth"?)
If you had said the squealing stopped when you turned the steering then your power steering fluid level needs topping up.
But if the belt to the power steering is going to fail,then it will squeal when the steering is turned "lock to lock" (do this quickly)

Bedstor's response is spot on. Check those belts.

I would also offer that if this most often happens first thing in the morning there might be some condensation on the belt or pulley. There are spray on belt dressings available at parts stores which can help with this.

Thanks guys, I'll have my son check that belt, it still looks new to me. We live along the coast and it is damp, the cars are dripping most mornings.

How long is the life of a fan belt?

I do not know.

On the mustang I change the belts, clean or change the spark plugs, yada, yada, yada, every six months. But, this car is driving 100 miles + five days a week (nasty commute)

On the Beast (A 77 Suburban) I change the belts every year.

This is part of the regularly scheduled tune-up. Which includes:

1. Replacing fuel filter
2. Replacing air filter (actually I do this when I change the oil)
3. Checking spark plugs, re-gapping or replacing)
4. Tightening bolts (both vehicles are over 25 y/o, thus there is a lot of bolts)
5. Replace fan belts.
6. Check spark plug wires replace if needed.
7. Purge and flush coolant (radiator)
8. Replace bulbs (exterior) except head lights. This is of course optional, but I have never been pulled over for a light being out.
9. Check all hose clamps, check all hoses for cracks, replace as needed.

I also inspect brake pads once a year, but I do take both vehicles to a professional when it comes time to change them.

Once a month I check the oil, power steering, brake fluid and transmission fluids. Topping off when needed. With oil, I have to change the oil on the Mustang every month, it is an older engine and gets many miles. The Beast can go two months, not many miles are put on it

During the monthly check I also check the radiator and battery fluids, topping off when necessary.

I check all tires for wear and for pressure every month as well.

Spring and fall I do a clean out of the radiator, I drain it, and refill with the correct coolant for the coming season (Here in California we do not worry about freezing in winter, but over heating during the summer can be a problem). The Mustang has a filter on the radiator line, I take this out and either clean or replace it.

We also do a complete cleaning under the hood and in the passenger compartment. I degrease the engine, wiping down the hoses with armorall (to get the to last) Clean up andy and all corrosion around the battery leads, wire brush the crud and collected bugs out of the radiator. Inside the mustang we also clean the carpet, and protect and clean the upholstry - this is a vintage car and we desire to keep it spit spot. With the Mustang this also includes taking out the back seat to get the collected debris.

The beast gets a slightly different treatment, the engine is degreased, cleaned etc. However, I carry all my tools in the beast, I removed the back seats, and built in a false floor with compartments for all of my tools. I take the time to oil, sharpen, clean out the debris, etc and reorganize my tools and do an inventory of material (nails, screws, putties, etc).

I am perhaps a bit more anal about the whole thing, since I keep records on what needed to be done, how much it costs, etc.

I know it sounds like a lot of work, but maintaining your car should be priority. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.


Cheers

David