Why WD-40 should never be used to quiet fan belt noise

Learn why you should never use WD-40 to quiet fan belt noise

When faced with an annoying squealing noise from a fan belt in your vehicle, you might be tempted to reach for that ubiquitous can of WD-40. After all, it’s often touted as a fix-all solution for various mechanical issues. However, using WD-40 on a squealing belt is not only ineffective but can damage the belt, causing you to replace it. WD-40 doesn’t quiet fan belt noise.

WD-40 degrades rubber components

Belts in your vehicle, whether they’re serpentine belts or V-belts, are made of rubber compounds designed to withstand high temperatures and constant friction. WD-40 contains petroleum distillates that can break down these rubber compounds, leading to premature wear and potential belt failure. In other words, WD-40 is not intended for use on rubber parts like your drive belts.

WD-40 never fixes fan belt noise permanently

While WD-40 might temporarily quiet the noise, it doesn’t address the underlying issue causing the squeal. Belt noise is typically a symptom of a more significant problem, such as misalignment, belt wear, or improper tension. By using WD-40, you’re merely masking the symptom without solving the actual problem.

See this post on how to properly and permanently fix belt noise.

©, 2015 Rick Muscoplat