There are many uses for WD 40 on a car. It will even fix a squeaky door; there is no end to what it can help you with.

So, you might want to ask, can I put WD 40 on fan belt?

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Can I Put WD 40 On Fan Belt?

Spraying an oil-based lubricant on a serpentine or serpentine belt can make the hose go away for a while, but it doesn’t fix the underlying problem. WD40 is a special penetrant against rust.

Product Recommendations:

Does WD-40 Work As Belt Dressing?

If you’re having problems with your belts squealing, squeaking or screeching, don’t stress. With this specially formulated spray from WD-40 Company, squealing belts are no problem at all.

Just spray a little WD-40 Specialist Automotive Belt Dressing with the engine running. It penetrates into the cord fibres to restore flexibility and pliability. The unique formulation also helps prevent slippage and wear caused by belt tensioners.

Unlike other belt dressing formulas, WD-40 Specialist Automotive Belt Dressing won’t build up on your belts and pulleys, so it won’t crack over time like other belt dressings.

That means you won’t have to worry about flinging rubber deposits all over your engine compartment. This belt dressing is perfect for cars that have timing chains or serpentine belts, and it can even be used on flat or V-belts and fan belts in tractors and other farm equipment.

Don’t let squealing belts put a damper on your day. With this great product, you’ll be back on the road in no time.

See also: Belt Dressing Alternatives

Can You Spray WD40 On Car Pulleys?

You can spray WD-40 on the pulley itself, and the belt. If there are any noisy bearings, be sure to spray a little WD-40 in there as well.

Best way to apply:

There are 3 ways to apply WD-40: aerosol, bulk and trigger-style. If you have a small job such as lubricating locks or cleaning metal parts, the best way to apply WD-40 is by using an aerosol can.

Can WD-40 Stop Belt Squeaking?

The simple answer is yes, WD-40 can stop a belt from squeaking.

The long answer:

There are two types of belt squeals: the noise caused by a worn belt and the noise caused by a glazed belt.

Worn belts cause squealing noises because the ribs on the underside of the belt are worn down, so they can no longer grip the pulleys properly. The solution here is to get a new belt.

You can tell if this is what’s causing your squeal because there will be noticeable scoring on the sides of the ribbed area of your belt (the side that doesn’t touch the pulleys).

Glazed belts cause squealing noises because they’ve lost their friction properties due to age, heat and/or use, and need to be deglazed. This is where WD-40 comes in! If you spray it underneath your glazed belt, it will bring back its friction properties and stop that annoying squeak.

You’ll know if this is why your belt is squeaking if you don’t see any significant wear or scoring on the ribs of your belt—the side facing you should look smooth and shiny if it’s been glazed.

How Do You Stop A Belt Pulley From Squeaking?

The belt pulley is the biggest cause of belt noise. If it’s not running true, the belt can skip over part of the pulley and make a squeaking noise. This can be caused by a bent shaft, or if the pulley is mounted on bearings that are too tight or too loose.

The cure for this problem is to measure and adjust the run-out of the pulley. This means adjusting it so that there’s no wobble or movement at all when the pulley spins.

You can check for run-out using a dial indicator, which measures in thousandths of an inch. Mount it on a stand and place it against the rim of the pulley so that it reads “0” on the dial as you rotate it by hand. If there is any run-out, you will see movement as you turn it.

If you don’t have a dial indicator, you can use a feeler gauge with one end stuck to the backside of your belt so that it hangs down like a pointer. Then, as you rotate the pulley with your other hand, watch to see if the gauge moves side to side. If so, this means there is run-out present.

Why Is My Belt Squealing When I Accelerate?

So, you’re driving along, listening to a good song, when suddenly your engine belts start to squeal. It’s not a pleasant noise, and so your first reaction might be to wonder what’s going on.

You may have been told that the squealing is just a part of some necessary maintenance process—but if it’s happening every time you accelerate or make a U-turn, it sounds like something that needs to be checked out.

The cause of your squealing could be belt slippage due to improper tension and/or a badly glazed belt. Serpentine belt systems typically employ a spring loaded belt tensioning pulley (like this one from Gates) and sometimes these can go soft.

If not addressed immediately, the problem will only get worse. The fix is simple but requires some mechanical skill: loosen the tensioner and retention the belt. If there’s any question about anything you’re doing, take it in to an expert who can get you back on the road safely and quickly.

Can I Use Silicone Spray On Fan Belt?

Yes, but only if you must. There are a lot of factors that play into whether or not the spray is a safe choice for your belt.

If a belt is squeaking or making noise, it’s usually because the bearings in the pulley have worn out, and the belt is moving around on the pulley instead of staying in place.

When that happens, you’ll need to replace the pulley (and hopefully also get a new fan belt). Using silicone spray may make it quieter for a while, but it won’t last long. The problem will come back sooner or later.

On the other hand, if your fan belt has a small crack or hole in it and you’re just trying to get to a repair shop without breaking down, then silicone spray could be helpful—but only as temporary measure.

If you’re going over 10 miles before getting to the shop, it would be better to use something else to fix up the belt temporarily. You can also try using another fan belt from another car that’s similar in size as a temporary replacement.