Engine squeels when accelerating only when first starting car

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

Hi there,

I have a 2008 Saturn Astra and there is a high pitched squeeling sound when i accelerate from a stop. It has been happening since last year but seems to have gotten worse. It only happens in the summer time. It squeels only when accelerating at low speeds. if I accelerate quickly the sound goes away. but will come back if i come to a stop and accelerate normally again. It doesnt start from 0 RPMs but only at low rpm. It only happens when I first turn on the car and accelerate. If i have been driving for a few minutes and then accelerate from a stop it doesn’t make any unusual sound. It happens in reverse as well as drive.
Any ideas or advice would be appreciated!
Thanks.

2

Chances are very high that you need a new serpentine belt.

Have all the other pulleys checked for being worn out when replacing the belt.

2 Likes
3

Agree with above, it is most likely the belt, now when changing it someone has to check the tensioner. I am not familiar with the set up on this car but they are all very similar and usually an easy DIY if you wish to go that route.

4

Eddo, Galant, you both read my thoughts. I’d bet lunch that this priceless 2008’s tensioner is due for replacement along with the belt.

5

I agree with the others. Replace the serpentine belt and tensioner. I would replace the idler pulley as well.