Recently I noticed serpentine belt squeals at startup. Like it slips for seconds and than no noise any more the whole day. Next day - the same thing. I checked the belt - it looks like new, no sign of wear. Do you think the car needs a new belt?

 

Negative.

You probably have some bearings going bad in one of your accessories.

 

I would have to vote on either the belt not being tight enough or one of your bearings going out also. It could also be a bad power steering pump or fluid in the pump causing higher than normal pressure to turn the pump causing some slippage in the belt.

 

Also check the information decal that is usually on the hood or radiator shroud. Check to be sure the belt is routed exactly as shown on the decal. I had an olds that came in with the same symptoms are yours. It had the belt routed on the wrong side of the tensioner and would squeal on startup as well.

 

I found the cause in that in another forum.

I replaced the front crankshaft seal 2 months ago. I used a hammer and wood block to install the harmonic balancer. Probably I destroyed its rubber balance because I saw it is vibrating. I also watched a video on youtube why to use the installer tool - if I use the original bolt for that I will strip the thread. Any idea where to find the proper installer?

 

I borrowed a puller and installer from AutoZone.
By the way the squeal comes not from the belt but from harmonic balancer. It is pretty easy to test it. Before you go to spent money for other parts do a test for 20 min for no charge. Remove the tire and splash shield, mark the harmonic balancer with marker, start the motor for a sec (if you heard the squealing sound check the markers. If they are not in the same line – replace the balancer.

 

Nice find and fix. I hope everything else is good.

Never would have not used a puller/installer though.

 

Ya I had the same problem on a dodge once and I was thinking bearings on a pulley but after some checking of all the pulleys I found it to be a cheap belt. put a new brand name belt on it not some cheap junk.