Squealing

98EXCIVIC

MEMBER
HONDA CIVIC

98 Honda Civic EX, manual, 106k miles, 1.6L VTEC.

Had all my belts (timing, alternator, power steering and a/c), and water pump replaced @100k miles. Belts were squealing due to wear before changing them. After about 3 weeks they started squealing again, they were perfectly quiet before. I've tightened the power steering belt (it was a bit loose), and it didn't help at all. I've checked the alternator and a/c belts and they are tight and meet maintenance book specifications.
It only squeals at low RPM- when idling at stop sign/light. Once I get going, the noise is gone. Any ideas? My guess is that it HAS to be a belt, but why all of a sudden after 3 weeks?

3 Replies

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

Some belts do stretch, who knows for sure, but the noise is a belt. So. With the engine OFF, on each belt find the longest section of each one between pulleys. You have two right? At this location, the distance the belt should move is.5 inches in each direction. Total play of not over 1". Adjust to meet that and try the low idle.

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Tuesday, June 19th, 2007 AT 8:00 AM

98EXCIVIC

MEMBER
7 POSTS

I've read here on the forums that if the timing belt it too tight it can squeal too- is there a way to check it. Beyond that, if it is tight, can I just deal with the squeal and let it stretch until it's quiet or will it hurt the belt being that tight?

I will go home today and recheck belt deflection and tighten if need be.

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Tuesday, June 19th, 2007 AT 8:13 AM

BRUCE HUNT