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Hey guys,

This problem just started out of nowhere, and I'm not sure if its a coincidence that the weather is finally above zero during the days now. Whenever the engine is started or accelerated, there is a slight squeal (~2 seconds). I don't think it is a tension problem, since it seems to be as tight as usual. I have owned the car for 3 years, and haven't changed the belt, but the previous owner may have.

Do you guys think that the belt is in need of a change, the belt is dirty, or maybe even the pulleys. Either way, it sounds like something is slipping.

How easy is this belt to change anyway? I have never changed a belt in such a tight space, it looks a bit tricky.

Thanks for your help!

 
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If you look at the belt does it look cracked or dried out? The belts are cheap I would just replace them. I would look for a DIY on how to do it. Your first time they are a little tricky. Good Luck

 
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The belts look in good shape. Its a little hard to see the condition of the alternator belt since its so tucked away though. I'll look for a DIY, hopefully that will clear things up. Thanks man

 
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Funny I just kind of posted this in a different part of the forum. Here is a quick DIY on removing the alternator belt:

You must start by removing the power steering pump. which is done like this:

Then the alternator which is done like this:



The hardest part is to get the deflection right but you can do it. You can also get a belt deflection gauge if you are unsure. I think they are maximum 15 dollars. Sorry for the quoting but you get the idea without me editing it all out.

 
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7th gen Vics don't require a crow/prybar to move the alternator? I remember I had to change mine and it was ridiculous how much effort it took to move that thing.

 
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Haha really? I've been looking around and I've found a couple good threads...

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...squealing.html

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...upgrade-2.html (steps 4 through 9)

I cannot seem to find out what year of civic these threads are for though. Do all the 7th gens have similar drive belts?

I think that this alternator belt could be my problem. At first I didn't even realize there was a second belt besides the obvious one on top which was running the PS.

Would you recommend going through the drivers-side wheel well? Hopefully I can access all the bolts without having to take the power steering pump and belt off...

Thanks for those instructions man, I'm going to give that a try later on.

 
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^ Both of those are posted in the 7th gen subforum so you can assume they are 7th gens

 
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Well, I got in there and found that all the bolts were tight, and that the tension on the belt was perfect. Also, the belts look in very good condition, not a single fray or crack that I can see.

I have heard the term "glazed belt" before, what exactly does this mean? Could it be that my belt is just dirty and in need of a good under the hood cleaning. We finally have some nice weather around here, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

 
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Perfectly normal to squeal on start up. I live in TX and when it gets down to around freezing mine does the same thing. Never could find a cause though.

A "glazed belt" looks melted. Also, when looking at the belt look to see how deep the grooves are- if they're too deep it can slip too.

And yes, you can do it from the wheel well but, you have to loosen the P/S pump from up top and remove the inner fender.

 
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I was also wondering why bolt D would have to be loosened to adjust the tension? Or is just that just for removing the alternator? What does that bolt thread into?

 
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^^ I don't know really why but, I tried just loosening B and C and I still had to loosen D to get the compressor to move enough. Try it, you may get lucky.

btw: It's very refreshing to talk to a new poster that isn't brain dead and knows how to use search. +1

 
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^^^

Bolt D doesn't need to be removed, that attaches the alternator bracket to the engine block, you only need to loosen bolt C and B.

I just replaced my belts due to a pretty severe squeak, I could here it over the radio lol. The belts themselves really don't look to be in that bad of condition, but they were definitely toast.

 
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Well thank-you for the compliment!! haha.

Thanks for all the help guys, I think I'm going to give it a bit of tightening. If the squeaking doesn't go away, I'll try a new belt.

 
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the bolt D is supposed to keep the plate in position. If you could move, then it was kind of loose. If tight, i suppose the plate would not change the angle to adjust
and i back lazlong on that - +1 for a newbie that does search and research just can't do at this point cos my reps seem to give a lot more points than before...

 
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Make sure you don't overtighten it because it can frazzle your bearings. Your picture looks pretty similar to mine near the top of the thread