The serpentine belt on my 93 ls400 (115,000k) seems to be stuck and is squealing like a rodeo hog. I started the car this morning with no problem but now when i start it i heard this loud squeal. i looked under the hood to find the serpentine belt Not Moving.

could this just be a simple fuse problem or something else?

p.s. there is also a burnt smell while sqealing

all comments welcome
thanks in advance

 

Choices of several possible causes. First guess is the water pump failure. There is too much info missing here.... mileage, recent services, etc. Try and give us more info.

 

milage - 115,000k
recent service - change IACV (1month ago)

is there a procedure for checking the water pump?

 

update - srayed some PB Blaster on the belt and pulleys now car runs fine.
will post if problem comes back

 

the problem is back
should i change the belt only?
need suggestions
thanks

 

You have something seized up. Shut off engine. Remove your belt. Reach into motor and try spinning your idler pully, your air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and alternator. (Did I miss anything?) I am guessing one of those is frozen and needs repair. Your serpentine belt probably needs replaced too. Inspect it very closely!

 

hi your fan bracket is seized up, thats why you dont see the belt moving and if it does it squeels trying to turn, its about 60 bucks or so aftermarket and 10 bucks junkyard if you can find one hopes this helps.

 

+1, one of the idlers, alt, A/C compressor or PS has seized.

 

Thanks for all the quick replies
Today I took a closer look and found out the idler pulley was in fact seized
instead of swapping it out I just replaced the bearing with one from Autozone (#203FF..only $5 bucks) problem solved

 

Best to change your belt as well, since you stated that you smelled it burning. With that , the belt integrity has been compromised and it will only be a mater of time before it pops (actually surprised that it hasn't already).