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2001 Mazda Protege Repair Question


Topics covered: Radiator, Smell, Brakes.
Mileage: 255,000 miles.

Asked on March 12, 2012

I have a 2001 Mazda protege. It has been making a squealing sound for a couple of years. Someone told us it was the belt and we replaced that (2.5 years ago) but it still makes that sound. Recently it started making a hovering sound (couple of weeks ago)

We think the squealing noise is related to the smoking.
Avatar Asked by twitchfamily

Answer

Replied on March 12, 2012

maybe, what does it smell like, rubber or oil?

Tiny Answered by fixitmr
24 questions asked
Replied on March 12, 2012

we what? got cut off.

Tiny Answered by fixitmr
24 questions asked
Replied on March 13, 2012

We replaced the belt 2.5 years ago but still makes squealing sound. Recently it started to make a hovering sound (couple of weeks) and then today when my husband parked it started to smoke. It looked like it was coming from the front passenger tire area. Someone said it might be the brakes and someone else said it might be a radiator leak.

Tiny Response from twitchfamily
1 question asked

Replied on March 13, 2012

we did not notice any smell.

Tiny Response from twitchfamily
1 question asked
Replied on March 13, 2012

if it is brakes wheel will throw off heat and be burning hot to touch. if anti freeze it will have a smell.

Tiny Answered by fixitmr
24 questions asked
Replied on March 13, 2012

you mean belt replace did NOT cure squeal? does it sueal all the time or mostly after starting.

Tiny Answered by fixitmr
24 questions asked

Replied on March 13, 2012

My husband said it did have a tar smell, but I didn't notice. Replacing the belt did NOT fix the squeal. It use to only squeal at start up in 1st gear, but now it squeals more often and even up into 3rd gear, but most after it has been started. Next time I drive I will check the tire for heat and lift the hood to see if we can get a better idea of where the smoke is coming from.

Tiny Response from twitchfamily
1 question asked
Replied on March 13, 2012

did you replace belt or have someone do it? does it have a spring tensioner pulley?

Tiny Answered by fixitmr
24 questions asked
Replied on March 13, 2012

We replaced the belt ourselves but couldn't get it tightened all the way so took it somewhere to get it tightened to the right tightness. We just took it into les shwab today they said the brakes were fine. So how do we check for a radiator leak? Where is the radiator?

Tiny Response from twitchfamily
1 question asked
Replied on March 15, 2012

radiator is across front of car behind grill. if you have AC there are 2 of them. 1 closest to motor has coolant for motor. dont know how this could be related to squeal though.

Tiny Answered by fixitmr
24 questions asked