I just bought a 1997 prelude, with one minor problem. Or at least I hope minor. When the AC is on, there is a squeaking noise coming from under the hood. I popped the hood to see if it was that, but its not coming from the AC belt...its coming from that belt thats around that device above the alternator. What is that thing? I was looking through a manual and couldn't find what it was. Anyway, the squeaking seemed to be coming from there, but it was at night, so I couldn't really tell. I know its coming from that area tho. Any help is appreciated.

 

the power steering pump. thats the device above the alt.

 

I did some looking around, and its coming from the alternator. Its constant and gets worse as I accelerate. So I'm guessing the alternator is gone. Is there anyway to get to that thing without having to remove the power steering belt? I tried going under neath but its a PITA.

Also, would a belt thats too tight cause the alternator to squeak constantly? How much play should there be in the belt? 1/4"? Thanks

 

It could definitely be squeaking from being too tight, if it is to the point that the accessories are binding.

Try turning the face of the belt 90* with two fingers, if you can do that, its fine, if you can't its too tight. Make sure to try it on a fairly open section of the belt, not right near a pulley.

You have to take off the ps belt to service the alternator/ac belt.

 

So I adjusted the belt to where there is about a 1/4" of play and it can turn 90* but not much more with moderate finger pressure...

But its still happening. It won't sqeak for about 30 seconds to a minute and then it'll start squeaking. So alternator needs replacing?

 

Check the voltage coming from your alternator and make sure it is at least 12 volts, a little more is better. If you have correct voltage it could still be the alternator, but at least it is still operating corretly and you don't end up with a dead battery on the highway. Does the sound change when your turn at all, or just under acceleration? One thing to try would be to let the car run for a bit so it is warmed up and squeaking and then remove the belt and turn the pulley and see if there is any drag or if it makes any noise, like slight grinding or anything like that. You can usually feel it in your hand when you are turning the pulley also.

 

Is this with the A/C on or off?

 

This is with the A/C off. When the A/C is turned on, it turns into a different tone of squeaking. The squeaking doesn't change when I turn. The squeaking starts usually right after I shift into gear. I think it really is gone because one night I was driving home and the engine was bogging out and every time I hit the brakes, the gauges would stop working. Plus, my lights became dim and my stereo just stopped working.

 

Sounds to me like your alternator is going up. However, the change in the while might be due to two things; the electrical load or the physical load once the AC compressor clutch engages.

First thing I would do is change both accessory belts. See if that helps. If not, I would lean towards a dying alternator.

Is it the original alternator? Might not be a bad idea to change it anyway since that is a part that can leave you stranded somewhere.

Good luck.

 

Yeah, I'm just waiting for the part to come in. I'm from Guam so parts aren't as available as in the states. I was really happy to finally have a car I enjoy driving.

One other thing I noticed today tho, when I let go of my brakes, the engine will rev up to about 1.7k and then bog a little to below .5k and then go back to idling at 1k. I also have an oil leak to find. It puddles under the car, but its not huge. Any common areas in which my model of prelude leaks? Thanks for all the help.