I'm sure many of you have been plagued with the squeal that starts when your car turns on, sometimes even when running, and seems to happen less when the engine is warmed up.

My Ride: A 1997 Civic EK with a stock 1.6L D-series.

A few months ago I replaced my alternator and I had to disassembly the engine head to reach down there. Putting the belts back on, I must have missed something.

Most of you are thinking, "Adjust the belt tensioner". Nope, tried that. Loosened it, tightened it... Eventually I put it back to where the rust lines on the bolt stopped - back to stock position.

Also note, I ripped out my power steering so I have 2 belts. The other day I took a wrench and banged on the first belt, it was stiff and tight. The second belt (alternator) was loose and saggy.

Looking at my alternator, perhaps it fell out of place? It LOOKS like there's a little hook that the alternator should be hooking on and it's not.

Does anyone know if this would fix my issue? How can I tighten that belt?!
And after, should I put a belt conditioner or lube on it?
Help! At this rate, I'm never gonna get laid again!

Ashe

 

tighten your alternator by either using a prybar or 2 wrenches. dont need belt conditionor or lube ive never used that crap

 

make sure the lower bolt is still there on the alt

 

You disassembled the head to change out an alternator? Good lord man. There is no directionr for the alternator. Just use a pry bar as stated and shove it back. Tighten the nut on the upper bolt while doing this. May be easier with a friend to assist. Belt should have about a 1/2 inch of deflection when tighten properly. This means 1/4 inch in either direction.

 

So, how old is this belt?
Sounds like you need a new one.

 

Adjustment and new belt sounds about right. I had a new one too and I either returned it with the old alternator, or I gave it away/: That means I've gotta wait a week for $$ lol.

I'll take some pics tomorrow and keep you guys updated. Thanks for the tips!

 

Pried the alternator back and retightened the allen screw. It fixed it mostly...
But it still squeals on occasion. Gonna try replacing the belt this weekend.