During a recent tune-up, the mechanic replaced the existing flat style
power steering and alternator v-belts with the newer design grooved
(toothed) v-belts.  These newer belts make a distinct howling noise, very
much like a turbine engine, which is quite loud and really annoying.  The
mechanic claims that these are the only type of v-belts currently
available (they apparently have some functional advantages such as running
cooler and lasting longer than the original flat belt design).

Has anyone else encountered this problem?  Anyone know of a source of
supply for the original, flat-belt (and quieter) style belts?

Wes Neuenschwander
Seattle, WA
wesn@eskimo.com