squealing noise

[greenquark]

When I start the car , a very high pitch squealing noise comes out of the hood

As I start driving the noise goes away. I have notice that it comes back ( not as high pitch though) when I stop at red lights/stop signs. It I put the car in neutral and accelerate, it goes away. It never happens on the highway.

Time can vary from a couple of seconds to half a minute noise when I start the car. Alternator was replaced last year , but I didn't drive during the winter.

How do I know what belt is the problem? ( power steering or alternator belt ?) . How do I know if the alternator belt has the proper tension? ( without using a tool to measure tension) or if it is misalignment ? I have to mention that eventhough my car has AC unit, it is broken and I never use it.

Thanks in advance

[illinois_erik]

[oni_cb7]

Press on the belts with your fingers... if they seem loose, then tighten that belt till it stops squealing.

[Raf99]

Don't buy belt dressing. Well..., you can if you want to determine its the belt. Personally I'd just spit on it or something like this.

But belt dressing is a band-aid fix, replace the belt(s) that is squealing. Squealing = bad belt or the belt is not tight enough. Consult your manual if you need to know how to tighten the belt and how to measure tightness.

Best of luck.