I'm driving a 2004 Honda Civic VP 1.7 SOHC. I replaced the timing belt, timing tensioner, and water pump about a month ago after the tensioner failed. I replaced the power steering belt and AC belt at the same time. I've been getting some squeal from the AC belt ever since. I've tightened it up twice, and each time it seemed to help for a few days, then it would return. It typically only squeals when the AC is on. However, yesterday it got much worse rather quickly. I could not have the AC on during acceleration or deceleration without tremendous squeal. I discovered this when getting onto the highway and it started squealing so bad I thought it would snap the belt. The AC could be on at a steady speed, but I would hear an occasional chirp that grew in frequency for about 10 minutes before going into a full squeal. Turn AC off, then back on, would buy me another 10 minutes. Now today, I cannot run the AC at all and it squeals when stopping at a red light. Also, it squeals pretty bad when cold, but seems to lessen somewhat when warmed up.

I tightened the belt a lot the last time (over a week ago), but it is difficult to test the deflection properly using the Haynes or Chilton instructions (how do I know if/when I'm applying 20lb of force?). I will be checking the belt and mounting bolts on the alternator this afternoon. Any thoughts or suggestions? I cannot handle this squealing much longer.

 

i would download the factory manual.

and either you are just not tightening it down enough or the belt is too long

 

You don't have enough tension on the belt.

On the longest side of a serpentine belt, in the exact middle, you should able to only twist the belt about 90 degrees with your fingers.

 

I took a look at it this evening, and sure enough, the belt was loose. I think I also discovered why I have had to tighten the belt three times. This time the adjusting bracket was loose as well. It was actually loose enough to rattle when I messed with it. I'm pretty sure I got it fixed this time. Thank you for the help. If it happens again, I will know why.

 

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