Mazda 626 Repair Question
Asked on February 15, 2007
Squealling Belt - Repeat offender
My 1999 Mazda 626 4cyl 130K miles, broke the serpentine belt for the Alt and WtrPmp at 125K. No squealling no nothing, just broke from mileage and wear (???). I replaced both belts due to the high mileage and "Murphy's Law of Auto Reapirs". Cost $40 and 2 hours of my time. About 3 weeks later the squeal is back. I can't identify and idler pulley in this blet path - Alt/WtrPmp/Main Pulley - so I tighten the belt slightly. No help, squeal continues periodicaly until the belt breaks again after about 45 days and 4K miles. Fearing workmanship issues (Me) I had the dealership do it the 2nd time. Both belts again, $213. Now after just 3 wks I'm back to square 1. I took it back, told them it is squealiing. They adjusted the belt slightly cleaned the pulleys (belt crud, imagine that?). They said everything looks fine. No mention of Idler/Tension Pulley. They didn't seem to have any issues with Alt or Water Pump. Alt makes no bearing noise, Water pump makes no noise. But I still have the squeal problem intermittent on start up and pulling away from a stop once in a while. Any thoughts? IS there an Idler Pulley in the Alt /WtrPmp belt line??
Answer
Replied on February 15, 2007
HEY!!!! DING...DING...DING!!!!!!
BEEN THERE!!!!
IT cost a guy his engine. Maybe this is not the same, but it is the same car. Alternater was seizing up when it got hot.
Replied on February 15, 2007
Actually, I thought the water pump might be a more likely suspect since it happens primarily at cold start or after an idle down to stop and then accelerate up again. But like I said neither the Alt nor the WtrPmp make any noise at all during idle when things are normal. The car doesn't overheat, there are no water leaks, or electrical behavior issues. Runs great with solid gas mileage. I would have hoped the dealership would have given these two units at least a cursory glance when they were doing their 1st or 2nd tinker on the car. ??
Replied on February 15, 2007
Do what yo want, I'm just tellin you we went through this and the engine was toast, because the customer wouldn't listen. But you are right it may not be the same....? I truley understand your logical and went through the the same thinking. If it overheats, jumps out and check what pulley froze.
Asked by hannahman