95 accord lx 80K miles.

Everytime I get in the morning ready to leave and warm up my car, there is always this squeaking noise coming from the engine bay. It usually stops after the 'jumping idle', but this time it kept on going. I popped the hood open and listen closely to where the noise is coming from. Sounds like the timing belt or alternator. But the sound did go away after I was driving. I can also see my engine physically shaking a little bit. Any ideas?

It also didnt look like the last owner did the major tune up yet at 90K miles and I believe he was treating this car like **** by not warming it up every morning and pushing hard on the brakes and gas.

 

When the noise is present squirt the inner Alt belt surface with brake clean or carb cleaner. If the noise shuts up try adding some more tension to the belt or replace it. Those belts need to be just about 'banjo string' tight.
Then about the 'jumping' idle; surging? Coolant full and block burped thru the 12mm bleed screw at the T-stat housing? FITV need adjusted?

 

is it better to replace the timing belt + water pump, etc. now at 80k miles? or should i wait?

 

The squeaking is more likely to be the alternator/power steering/AC belts than the timing belt. If you're just trying to stop the squeaking, change those and make sure they are tight. Timing belt interval is 90,000, but you should also consider the age if is still the original (sure bets pistons smacking valves!). The alt/PS/AC belts are probably only $20, the timing belt is a $600 job at a dealer.

 

Yeah, I'm not to sure how age would effect the life of a timing belt but I'd say take the car to 89,000 miles then switch it. I mainly agree with what fleetwood said.

 

it definitely sound like your belts are just a little loose. tension the belt and you should be fine. if that doesn't work maybe its the bearing in your belt pulley. good luck.