1998 Civic-Belt squeak noise (only when AC is on)

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May 17, 2012

literallarry

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1998 Civic-Belt squeak noise (only when AC is on)

Can someone tell me what belt this is or what needs to be replaced? I attached a zip file containing the audio of the squeak nosie. It sounds like a mouse at first then progressively gets faster and then kinda shreaks out like a damn velociraptor.

It only happens when I turn on the air conditioner and usually is worse the hotter it is outside/the hotter the car gets.

1998 Civic Lx

Attached Files

Belt-Noise.zip (85.7 KB, 311 views)

May 17, 2012

ezone

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Re: 1998 Civic-Belt squeak noise (only when AC is on)

Sounds like one of the belts is loose, either the compressor belt or the alternator belt.

You need to see if the belts are any good before bothering to tighten them.
If they are dry rotted and/or cracking in the ribs, they need replaced.

HTH

Sep 11, 2012

literallarry

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Re: 1998 Civic-Belt squeak noise (only when AC is on)

Awesome. Can you tell me how to tighten them?

Sep 12, 2012

matthew_burnett

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Re: 1998 Civic-Belt squeak noise (only when AC is on)

the ac belt has a tensioner bolt. just loosen the pivot bolt and tighten it with the bolt. the alternator you have to loosen the mounting bolts(easier from under the car)and tighten the belt manually with a prybar of some sort while you tighten the pivot bolts. a repair manual will be your best friend. but like ezone said make sure ur belts are good first otherwise its gonna snap.