Chrysler Repair: belt/pulley squeaks, belt pulley, brake caliper

Question
My car squeaks as if one of the pulleys or the belts are having issues.  I have a '95 Villager.  I was wondering if you would think that is the pulleys or belt. I took it to a mechanic to get a price quote and he says that the belts do not make noise so it must be one of the pulleys.  I read somewhere that if the belt is worn or loose it may squeak.  What is your view on this?  DO you also know what the price range for any of this type of work would be w/ parts and labor.

Front breaks needs to be changed and what is a fair price for that as well?

Answer
Hi Carlos,
The pulley is not often a part that needs replacement by itself. A loose/worn/oily belt can squeak when it tries to turn the pulley. Also, the device which the pulley drives has a bearing which if rough/worn can cause a squeek that appears to the ear to be coming from the pulley.
So you need to find which device is the source of the noise and determine whether the belt that drives the pulley of that device is the problem or the bearing of the device itself is the source of the noise. I would try to localize the source of the noise by using a rubber tube/hose inserted gently in your ear to point the other end close to the various devices to find out which one is the source of the noise. Then check its belt and if that is ok, then loosen the belt so you can turn the pulley by hand to see if the bearing of the device turn roughly.
I don't know what to say about price for brakes, it depends upon what needs to be done: simply replace the pads? true the rotor? replace the rotor? replace a leaking brake caliper?
Do you want to try to do any of this yourself? If so, then get a repair manual (such as a Haynes) that is specific for your vehicle. Otherwise, ask friends for the name of a repair shop that they trust.
Roland