Squealing noise

In my defender 110, When pulling away or putting the engine under load there is a loud squealing noise from what I assume is some sort of belt. Has anyone experienced this before? How hard is it to rectify?

What engine do you have

2.5L Diesel

Ok, what year is it.

1986

Probably is your fan belt and needs replacing or adjusting.

Definitely from the front of the engine?

I've had a mysterious squeak or squeal under load that eventually turned out to be the drum handbrake. It was caused, I think, by the friction material separating slightly from the metal part of the shoes. Eventually it was quieted by putting on new handbrake shoes. It happened again a few years later, but I recognised it and did the handbrake shoes again. It's been quiet ever since.

Does it happen when you rev the engine when the car is stationary? Or only when moving? If the latter, then maybe it's something in the transmission - such as the handbrake.

LaurenceEV said:

2.5L Diesel

Click to expand...

Which 2.5 l diesel?

He said 86 truck so recon 2.5 NA or TD. Fan belt and power steering belt first check.

Start the engine, spray one of the belts with WD40 - drive off.
Does it squeal ?
No - change the belt.
Yes - it's the other belt.
Stop
Spray both belts with WD40 - drive off.
Does it squeal
No - change the belt (probably best to change both).
Yes - it's something else.