belt sound, followed by electric problems

[marcc]

hello, for a few weeks i've heard a brief belt squeal when i start the car on cold mornings, it would go away shortly. then i noticed a slight squealy noise (but it's hard to describe) almost continually while driving (all in town).

this morning, the battery and brake lights came on after i'd driven a few minutes. i noticed the power steering was gone too, and windows were slow. there was a brief smell, something rubbery or burning, but it was brief.

i'm short of $ and need tires too, so i'm going to take it to a guy who does work at his house (he;s a student mechanic, and is a car nut). that may not be the best route, but if i can get any tips to help him fix it, i would be appreciative.

many thanks for your ideas.
marc
(2005 outback 3.0, 104k miles)

[ScoobyRu]

Sounds like a belt broke. The alternator and PS pump are driven from the same belt.

Why it broke is another matter. Maybe it was stretched from being worn. The slipping caused heat, which made the belt fail and produced the rubbery smell. Or, your alternator/PS seized and the belt broke from heat.

If it was just this belt that broke, make sure you have the AC belt replaced too.

I wouldn't have him mount new tires unless he has the proper flat surface, mounting tools, and a load balancer (which I doubt).

[DavidPeab]

It sounds like your serpentine belt has gone. Not sure about the 2005, but 2000 has a belt that goes from the shaft to the power steering pump, and alternator. If your belt is broken or failing due to glazing and it cannot get a grip on the pulleys it runs around, it would definitely cause your symptoms because the alternator would not be charging the battery and the power steering pump would not be pumping the PS fluid.

Have your friend replace the serpentine belt first. If you have two on your model, you might as well have him do the other one as well. Let us know if that fixes the problem. This is the cheapest fix. The next steps cost more but should not break the bank.

[1 Lucky Texan]

possibly a pulley bearing failure, but 05s aren't usually mentioned;

ez30 tensioner and idler pulley solution

H6 tensioner bearing#

[marcc]

Thank you all! should i have it towed to his house? the lack of power steering is annoying but i think i can do it.

i wasn't gonna have him do the tires, i don't think he's set up for that.

[1 Lucky Texan]

problem is, the ignition will only have battery capacity to run on. If your mechanic is around the block, maybe worth the risk to drive. Towing an automatic Soob AWD has issues as well. check the owners manual but, flatbed towtruck is probably required.

Considering offering him some beers, pizza and lotto scratchers to come to the car.

[marcc]

thanks for the advice! i have AAA, so towing isn't a worry, just another thing to get organized.

[cardoc]

The H6 has a single belt.

The pulleys need to be checked for damage or binding in the bearing. The belt could have broken due to wear or seizure of a bearing on the pulley.

[marcc]

thanks cardoc! IF it was the serp belt and nothing else, is that an easy-ish repair? are the belts expensive?

[cardoc]

Easy. One of the upper hose get in the way some and the belt goes on tight. Gates K060645 should run about $35.