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We put them in, and they'll be ok for usually most of the day. Soon enough they'll start squealing, and a few days/weeks later I'll lose it. So far as we can tell it's going in right. It looks as though it's getting burned up or something but every time we check everything seems to be turning pretty freely. It's the alternator belt. Automatic 4 cyl. Any help is appreciated.

Try an OEM belt.

After that, try a new used alternator, or rebuild yours.

Could also try cleaning up grounds and terminals, its free and may help.

Usually tightening would help, since your belt stretches a bit once it's on there for a little bit-it'll need to be tightened. Also quality belt would help, I prefer Gates belts.

Do you have an incorrect pulley on one of your accessories? Check that the belt is riding true on all the pulleys, if one is out of alignment or if one has been damaged it'll shred a belt real quick.

Daninski wrote:Do you have an incorrect pulley on one of your accessories? Check that the belt is riding true on all the pulleys, if one is out of alignment or if one has been damaged it'll shred a belt real quick.

I'd go with this, I've seen people repeatedly throw belts on without checking the tensioners, and they'll slip halfway off a pulley, then bite the farm pretty quickly.

Interesting how issues tend to turn up in bunches like this. We were discussing this exact same issue with another newish member just the other day. I will tell you what I told him. Your problem will be cured immediately and completely by purchasing a factory alternator belt. Myself and many other members have had this very problem and for whatever reason, the factory belt works where others don't.

My wife is still scarred by the experience. Every time she hears a squeel of any kind she assumes the alternator belt is about to snap.

wytbishop wrote:Interesting how issues tend to turn up in bunches like this. We were discussing this exact same issue with another newish member just the other day. I will tell you what I told him. Your problem will be cured immediately and completely by purchasing a factory alternator belt. Myself and many other members have had this very problem and for whatever reason, the factory belt works where others don't.

My wife is still scarred by the experience. Every time she hears a squeel of any kind she assumes the alternator belt is about to snap.

Usually I'd listen to your advise but in this instance I'm not sure where your coming from? He should ignore common instigators. Pulley alignment is pretty important don't you think?

It's happened many times. It's a well known problem in the RS world. The solution is and has always been a factory belt.

I'm just sayin.

wytbishop wrote:It's happened many times. It's a well known problem in the RS world. The solution is and has always been a factory belt.

I'm just sayin.

Sir, I concede to your experience. New Belt it is.

I would do that first only because it's easy and everything else has the capacity to become a wild goose chase.

If a new belt didn't fix it then I'd start chasing waterfoul.

wytbishop wrote:It's happened many times. It's a well known problem in the RS world. The solution is and has always been a factory belt.

I'm just sayin.

what is factory belt? Mazda makes their own belts?

I think the stock belts are manufactured by Gates, but I'm not sure. I just know that I tried every style and make of belt in existance and as soon as I went and got one from the dealership my problem vanished completely and did not return and I am not the only one who has had that experience.

I know my p/s belt came off earlier this year and I've replaced it with Gates and so far so good

I think as long as you get a Gates belt you should be fine. Yes they are a little more expensive but you don't want to lose a belt so it's well worth it IMO. I've used them and have never had any issues.

I'm running NAPA belts with no issues. Do they have their own line, or is it re-packaged?