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I'm in town visiting family for 3 days and was asked to help replace serpentine belts on an 01 Civic LX that has 2 accessory belts and no serpentine belts (no service manual). I am fairly mechanically inclined but I've never replaced accessory belts with manual tensioners.

The PROBLEM: Crazy squeal with AC on that doesn't seem to stop until you turn off the AC.

How to fix?
1. Do I replace the belts (I'd replace both since I'm there anyway) and if so how (bolts to loosen belts and how to retighten)?
2. Can I get away with just tightening the Alternator/AC belt and if so how do I know how tight to go? I'm at a place where I will have to purchase any tool I use so I don't have access to gauges and I don't know the 'deflection method'...BTW, I tightened the wingnut maybe 1/2 turn and it did nothing.

I understand how forums work. Believe me I searched and this thread was most helpful so far but I need help as soon as possible and it didn't answer all my questions. Again, it is a family vehicle and I don't know my way around it.

s

 
Rep Power: 284

The timing belt DIY covers the process of changing both accessory belts and belt deflection. If you have minimal tools available, it might be possible to change the ac/alt belt without removing the ps pump as shown in the diy by removing the wheel and splash guard, but it would be very tight.

 
Rep Power: 253

Tightening wingnut doesnt do anything unless you loosen a bolt on the alternator first.

Is your belt tight or loose?

Take longest run on the belt (The part of the belt that is the longest from one point of the pulley to the next) and twist it 90 degrees if it doesnt twist 90 degrees its too tight if it twist more then 90 degrees its too loose.