I've always heard a squealing noise on cold/wet/damp mornings and was told that it's the belts ( they have to be tightened). So this weekend I really got into the engine bay to hear the noise and I think i might have figured it out.
It's either the alternator squealing or the belt running it..Now i have 2 questions:
1) is there a separate belt to run just the alrernator or is it just one bug belt?
2) Does the alternator squeal when cold when it's about to die?

Immediate responses are appreciated..
thanks

 

I've heard that the alternator can squeal when it's close to dieing... I am not sure why though. Maybe someone needs to post a HowStuffWorks-style article on "Why does an alternator squeal before it dies?"

 

If the bearings on the pulley are bad then it can squeal. I'm sure it's your belts that are squealing. They can't be tightened since it should have a automatic tensioner pulley on it. I'm sure your engine has one big belt running everything.

 

The squeal happens only for the first few minutes after startup....goes away a few minutes after the engine has reached normal operating temperature

 

I do not see how the alternator itself can squeal, it sound like the belt, try some WD40. I used it on mine when Winter started and so far no more squealing.