Car is making a constant squealing sound?

Question

I few days ago, I "hit" a little issue while turning around on a puddle-covered dirt road. Since then, my car's made an obnoxious squealing sound. I can't quite locate where it's coming from, but it's a constant sound. Once I turn the car on until I turn it off again, it's always there, regardless of my speed or whether I hit the brakes or not.

It's a 94 SAAB 9000CSE.

I know the noise didn't appear until I hit something on the bottom of my car. Any guesses? Really, I just want to know if this is still safe to drive.

Answer 1

It's the serpantine belt.  There should be a bolt that you can tighten that will leverage the belt tighter.  It will bring one of the pulleys out a little farther that will cause the belt to stop slipping.  

Answer 2

Power steering belt is slipping.

Better get that steering checked.

You might have bent something out of line with that "little issue".

it may well not be safe.

Answer 3

More than likely you bent a splash pan into a pulley on the engine. It needs pushing away from the contact point. And you probably need a new belt.

Answer 4

Maybe a belt?  

I don't know what it's called, but there's a big belt and if that gets warped or stretched (or whatever happens to it), it makes a really obnoxious squealing sound.

Answer 5

sounds like a belt

should have them checked  asap

Answer 6

It could be a belt...Cheap fix.

Answer 7

Sounds like a belt, maybe you jarred something when you hit the bottom of the car, and now the belt is slipping

Answer 8

Sounds to me like you bent a belt pulley. Its the things that the belts sit in to turn the engine components like the power steering pump,alternator, and the engine crank (harmonic balancer). In other words if you bend one of these pulleys it changes the way the belt rides on it and therefore makes the belt rub on its edge and makes it squeal. Most times if it is it gets louder the faster you go and when you are just sitting idol, it isnt as loud.

I suggest you take this to a qualified mechanic ASAP and have it checked out. If it continues it could cause a belt to break and make the car stop running.

Answer 9

Sounds like your serpentine belt is at fault. A loose belt will squeal the whole time your engine is running.

Answer 10

It'll be your fan/alternator belt squeeling. It may well be replacing & it's best to do so before it comes off of it's own accord (as it can possibly take out other componenents when it does!)