dapqam

Heard a chirping sound in my 2006 RL with 155000 miles. Opened the hood after driving a few miles and smells of burned rubber. What could it be? And how would I check it? Probably associated with serpentine belt or timing belt. I suspect serpentine. Should I run it a little and take temperature of belt surface to see if it is hot on grooved side indicating problem with alternator or on smooth side indicating problem with idler. I don’t think a failing timing belt would overheat. It would break or teeth would separate or it would start shredding, right? Serpentine is original. Timing belt has 50k but 10 years old.

Monkeybizness

check the belt tensioner to see if it's rotating properly. If it's seized the belt will drag and wear out...just discovered mine did the same thing and have the new tensioner and belt on order, hoping they arrive before it burns up(have the old belt just in case in my shed).

For reference you can get the same kit for $50 with new belt and tensioner online that you'd get spending $108 for just the tensioner at your local auto parts store...planning saves money. If it's just the belt slipping, which is entirely possible, you can clean it and then throw some 303 protectant on it to fix the problem just as easily.

A seized tensioner will be obvious, but to check to see if your belt is worn throw a little water onto the belt where it runs into one of the pulleys and see if it quiets down temporarily. If it does so, it's likely the belt.