I had a mechanic replace some belts on a 2002 Accord EX 4-cylinder. The mechanic told me the following belts are replaced:

• Timing belt
• Balancer shaft belt
• Serpentine Belt
• Power steering belt
• Water pump

After a few days I noticed when starting, sometimes I could hear squealing for a few seconds. After that initial squealing everything would be OK.

I took it to the mechanic and he did some belt adjustments. The squealing problem seemed to be fixed.

But now after a month, the problem came back. However, the squealing duration has significantly decreased, to less than half a second compared to around 3 seconds before the adjustments.

It doesn't always squeal when starting. It is more likely to happen when starting in cold weather.

I'm not very good with cars so I'd be very grateful if you guys could give me some advice. What's the cause of the squealing? Did my mechanic use the right belts? Did he install the belts correctly? Is it necessary to do more adjustments?

Thanks!

 

Is the AC on when it squeels? Maybe the Ac or the alternator betl, probably not a big deal, he might have used a cheap belt.

 

No the AC is not on.

 

New belts may stretch a bit after install, recheck tension or have the mechanic readjust it.

 

+1


Perhaps if the belt was originally tensioned to spec it may not squeal even after a few days of engine running since new belts stretch a bit a few miles after installation, if the new belt was originally a little loose than it should have been, it's going to squeal after a few miles, no doubt.

On the longest side of any serpentine belt, in the very middle of that side, if you can twist it more than 90 degrees the belt is too loose. So check it.

 

how can i tighten the alternator belt? its making a horrible squeal when i turn the car on, thank you.

 

ok, i did it myself by following instructions in this video,
clockwise to tighten


Jason, do it to see if corrects your issue, worked for me!

 

Thanks guys for the advice and video. I'll try and let you know.