1992 Honda Accord Squeaky noises

1992 HONDA ACCORD
24,300 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
SHERRYWYATT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I purchased a 1992 Honda accord with 240,000 miles on it. I took it to my mechanic to have the timing belt replaced since the previous owner had never had it done. I paid $580 for the job. Two weeks after the work being done, the car stalled while I was driving it and lost power. I had it towed back to my mechanic and he said it needed a belt (I don't recall what belt). He replaced that and now the car makes a loud squeaky noise when started. It used to go away once I drove the car but now the noise stays. I took it back to him and he says it could be the tensioner and wants to charge me another $350. I thought the tensioner should have been replaced when he did the timing belt job. What could the noise be? I am not trusting him now, I feel he is just trying to get more money out of me.
Jan 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi sherrywyatt,

Thank you for the donation.

From the description of the symptoms, I would suspect the crankshaft pulley dynamic balancer to be faulty.

With engine running, look at crank pulley from above and if the pulley is moving in a wavy pattern, the damper rubber is bad causing the noise.
Jan 23, 2009 at 7:42 AM
Avatar
SHERRYWYATT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Now the car won't start. Could it still be the crank shaft pulley? Is this a costly repair?
Jan 23, 2009 at 8:35 AM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 41,814 POSTS
After rereading your initial question, the noise could have been due to a improperly adjusted accessory belt.

If the engine is not starting, there are many possibilities and it could be or not be related to the timing belt replacement.

You need to check if ignition sparks or fuel is missing or it could be mechanical which might be related to the timing belt.
Jan 23, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Avatar
SHERRYWYATT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Something is killing the battery. When we boost it it starts, but there is the whining, gradual loss of spark when starting and then eventually it won't start. I will take it to another mechanic today and see what he says. I am just upset because we did not have this problem until the original mechanic changed the timing belt and it seems like there has been continued problems.
Jan 23, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 41,814 POSTS
That confirms my suspicion about the crank pulley being bad.

When the damper is slipping on the main pulley, the charging rate and A/C would be affected as the alternator and compressor would be running below the expected mimimum rpm when engine is idling or running.
Jan 24, 2009 at 4:46 AM
Avatar
SHERRYWYATT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Is replacing this part (crank shaft pulley) an expensive repair?
Jan 24, 2009 at 5:59 PM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 41,814 POSTS
Sorry I could not get the listed price for the crank pulley and an estimated guess should be about $ 100.
Jan 24, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.