Hyundai Repair: Serpentine Belt, belt tension, voltage light


Question
My 2004 Santa Fe has a belt squeal but only when accelerating from a stop, my dealer said that the belt was tight, nothing wrong with it and that it is common with these cars. It isn't showing a voltage light or affecting performance but it is incredibly annoying, what could be the problem?

Answer
If the belt is indeed squealing under the circumstances you describe, it is almost certainly too loose.  For the 2.4 and 3.5 engines, the belt tension is adjustable.  On the 2.7, the belt is tensioned via an automatic tensioner.  Most frequently, the alternator belt is the one that's too loose; it must be tightened significantly tighter than most other belts to prevent squealing.