Squealing Belt & Bad Tensioner: Durango Fix Guide

Had the same belt squeal issue on my 2010 Dodge Journey last month. The symptoms matched exactly, loud squealing especially during cold starts and visible belt movement issues. The belt tensioner was indeed the culprit. When the tensioner fails, it stops maintaining proper tension on the serpentine belt, causing the belt to slip and create that distinctive squeal. The tensioner pulley bearing was completely worn out in my case. This required replacing both the belt tensioner and the serpentine belt since the old belt had developed uneven wear from slipping. The idler pulley was also replaced as a preventive measure since these components typically wear at similar rates. This is a serious issue that needs addressing soon. A failed belt drive system can leave you stranded if the belt breaks, and it can potentially damage other engine components due to improper belt tension. The belt drives critical systems like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. Worth noting these components typically start failing around 100000-130000 km, so your mileage falls right in that expected range for replacement.

Thanks for sharing your Journey repair experience. Really helpful to hear from someone who went through the same belt tensioner troubles. Just curious, what did the total repair cost for the tensioner, serpentine belt and idler pulley end up being? And have you noticed any other automobile maintenance issues pop up since getting it fixed last month? My Durango is showing similar signs and trying to budget for the repair. Been reading up that proper timing belt and belt drive maintenance is critical to avoid bigger engine problems down the line. Definitely want to address this sooner rather than later.

Good news, since getting my Journey fixed, the belt squeal issues have completely disappeared. The mechanic confirmed it was indeed a bad belt tensioner causing the problem. Total repair cost came to 455€ for the tensioner replacement, which included labor and parts. The serpentine belt system has been running smoothly with no other maintenance concerns since the repair. Having a properly functioning belt drive setup makes a huge difference, no more squealing or unusual noises, especially during those cold morning starts. Getting the timing belt checked while they were working on the tensioner was also smart preventive maintenance. A failing belt tensioner can definitely lead to more serious engine problems if left unfixed, so addressing it promptly was worth every cent. Sounds like your Durango is showing the classic symptoms. Based on my experience, getting it checked soon would be wise to avoid any cascade of issues with other belt-driven components.

Thanks for the advice. Finally got my Durango fixed and wanted to share my experience. Took it to a repair shop that specializes in Dodge vehicles and they confirmed the belt tensioner was failing. The serpentine belt had significant wear from the loose tensioner pulley. Total repair came to 520€ including a new tensioner, belt, and labor costs. They also spotted the timing belt was due for replacement based on age, so had that done while everything was apart. The engine noise and belt squeal are completely gone now. No more wondering if the car will start properly on cold mornings. The shop did a thorough job explaining everything and showing me the worn parts. Really glad I got this fixed before it caused bigger issues. The difference in how the engine runs is noticeable, much smoother and quieter overall. Definitely worth addressing these belt drive problems early rather than waiting for a breakdown.