1997 Honda Accord LX 4 cyl
251k miles

I have a low chirping/chattering noise that comes from around the belts & pulleys area, but ONLY after the engine warms up and is at normal idle. It can also be faintly heard at low acceleration (10-20 mph). It's NOT present, however, when the idle is high, such as when the engine is first warming up or regular driving. Anyone have a problem like this?

Thanks!

 

Possibly a loose belt.

 

^ agree with holmes, try tightening the belt to spec, or replace the belt.

I suppose it could also be a bad bearing in your alternator, power steering pump, or a/c compressor.

 

It doesn't really sound like a belt, but I didn't think about the bearings... Thanks guys I'll check it out!

 

Bearings make more of a roaring/whirling/rough sound.

 

Actually "chirping/chattering" really wasn't the best description of it, in fact whirling fits the sound a lot better (sorry, couldn't think of the word earlier). So basically I've got a "whirling" type noise at low idle and low acceleration.

 

Besy way to test is to remove the belt anyway to rotate each pulley, so you might as well get a new belt. May be the easy fix.