I have a 1990 745 GLE 16 valve that is generating noise that apparently is coming from the accessory belts. I replaced them last year when I did the timing belt. It is a B234F engine but I think that is irrelevant. I know the usual belt noise (squeak, squeak) due to dryness, glazing or the screech due to a loose belt when you overload it via the power steering pump or whatever. This noise is different. It sounds like a bearing is going when I start the car up in the morning. The sound goes away after the car warms up. It also goes away IMMEDIATELY if I spray water onto the belts so I suspect it is NOT the a/c compressor clutch bearing. Is it possible that a small amount of water enters the clutch bearing right away and stops the noise. Sounds far-fetched to me but one never knows.

I confess to leaving the belts a little loose when I installed them last year because I was wary of overloading the water pump bearing. I likely glazed the belts at that time. I have since applied belt dressing which works for a short time.

Any ideas? It is loud and it sounds nasty. I think it is just the belt but someone wiser might give me a heads up if not.

Thanks,
Bill
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Volvo Info Site 1990 745GLE 16valve