Eric,

New belts will loosen in the first few thousand miles unless they are installed pretty darn tight. The old rule of thumb is about 1/2" max deflection in the center of a belt with a pretty firm push. If it's been squealing for some time, it's probably glazed.  If it doesn't stop when tightened, replace the belt. 

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Eric Caron
Sent: Friday, July 08, 2016 9:46 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Belt advice

Hi folks,

Not the advice that my belt is getting a bit tight around my middle.  I need advice on my waterpump belt.

I got my van back from a check up and was told the belt was fine and needed just a bit of belt dressing.

Still the belt squeaks at cold start up every time and stops after a few minutes.  Doesn’t make noise once warmed up. 

At least one fellow VW owner looked and said it seemed a bit loose.

At the check up I was told if it was tightened it would damage bearings. 

So, do I get the belt changed and tightened or just put on belt dressing?

The belt was put on in 2013 about 9,000 miles ago.  I think it has chirped a bit most of this time certainly the last year.

Friend says my belt shows some wear and small cracks.  Shop didn’t recommend any work on it though I specifically asked about it.

thanks.

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto Westfalia