96 Civic, 160K miles, 6 months ago – timing belt, belts, water pump. I have an intermittent squeal that sounds like it is in the fan belt area. The squeal usually appears when I start the engine cold. The squeal usually goes away after a few minutes. I don't suspect the belts. I installed the highest end belts.


Modified by LeonardDB at 7:30 AM 11/9/2006

 

There are no fan belts.

Despite the fact that you replaced the belts, have you checked the tension on the belts? There is a deflection criteria that should be met for these belts.

 

It could be an alternator bearing starting to go bad. The first thing that I would do is double check the tension on all your accessory belts.

 

The timing belt, water pump, and belts were installed by a pro, though I have installed lots of belts over the years. I did check the tension on the belts by hand and they felt not loose, not too tight. I have heard that the pump on the front of the engine (I think its a power steering pump) makes a squealing noise as it is wearing out?

 

i have never seen a honda power steering to go out in 14 years but i could be wrong 9 out 10 of this problem is related due to having to much or no tension at all