my car: 01 civic EX manual with 118k

I noticed this past Friday that there's a humming sound coming from the engine. When I start, you can hear the noise at idle. When I accelerate, it gets louder. Any ideas on the problem?

I'm thinking that I should replace my timing belt since I haven't done so yet and Honda recommends it at 90K. Should I also look at something else though?

Thanks.

 

That's not a very accurate description. Does it seem to be coming from the front of the motor? The top of the motor? Near the transmission? Is it accompanied by a rattle? Ticking? Anything other than "a humming sound?"
If you could narrow down the location of the noise, it might help people provide some suggestions.

 

I listened to it at lunch and it sounds like it's coming from the power steering assembly.

 

I would start by checking the power steering fluid level.
Some noise is normal, but if it's causing problems with steering, intermittent or otherwise, or if it's making an excessive amount of noise, you may need a new power steering pump.
Inspect the belt while you're under the hood, too.

 

the power steering fluid looks good but I'll check the belt when I get home today in a few hours.

Thanks for the quick response

 

Update:

Alternator bearings were going bad. I know what I'm doing this weekend.

 

I replaced the alternator today and the noise went away, but of course another problem came up.

Whenever I turn on the AC, there's a loud squealing sound. It goes away when the AC is turned off.

I'm thinking it's the belt tensioner, but I don't where it's located. Is it the wing nut underneath the alternator? Is their a diagram that I can reference?

Or could there be a different problem? like my AC compressor? I didn't have this problem before I replace the alternator.

 

Update:
- alternator/AC belt wasn't tight enough. Plus, I mounted the alternator first and then tightened the belt tensioner wing nut. I should have done the opposite. All is good now.