97 sts questions: transmission, squeaky belt

[97blacksts]

hey, i've got a 97 sts that i bought about 6 months ago. i haven't had any major problems. but lately it seems like the transmission is slipping when i'm getting my speed up. going from about 0-30(km/h) and 30-50(km/h), it feels like it slips once inbetween both of those speeds. any ideas? or am i just looking at a near future tranny replacement? this is only my second car, i'm 18 and i really can't afford to replace the transmission. i had to in my first car and it took me long enough to pay off that debt. is there a simple solution to this. or a more minor/less expensive option to fixing this problem. to be honest i realyl don't even know what is wrong. any help would be great.

my other question is more minor, i think. the (serpentine?) belt, is squealing as soon as i start the vehicle. i went in to get an oil change the other day and they said they'd spray some stuff on it and it would be fine. and it was until i got two blocks down the street and started again. the belt was replaced about 7 months ago, and i know this because the previous owner was my grandpa. and the belt isnt' cracked at all. it sounds like the squeak comes from the top wheel (idler pulley?). are the bearings shot and do i need to get a new idler pulley? is that hard to replace on my own? or is it a pretty inexpensive thing i can just take in to a shop?

thanks in advance

 

[MAC1]

Regarding the transmission: Make sure it's not due to low fluid level. I would hate to see you destroy your trans due to improper fluid level.

Regarding squealing belt: Pulleys have bearing which can go bad. Assuming your setup is the same as my '94 Northstar, the idler pulley is the one above the A/C compressor and the tensioner pulley is right below the power steering pump. Pulleys are inexpensive, so if you suspect a pulley problem you should replace it. If pulley bearings fail the serpentine belt will fall off and can leave you stranded.