I have a 2000 Honda Accord and it has a loud squeal everytime I start the engine cold. However when I start it warm it usually doesn't make the squeal. The belts are pretty new but I'm not to sure how tight the belts should be. At the moment they have a 1/2 in of play. The power steering fluid is low, I'm curious if that would play a factor in this at all as well or it could be a loose bearing or bolt that could be making the squeal.

Any and all help is appreciated.
Thanks

 

On any belt, on the longest side, in the middle of that side, when twisting the belt with your two fingers you should only be able to twist it about 90 degrees.

Your belt is too loose.

 

Do you know what brand of belts were used? I began my auto tech career working on GM vehicles so when I went to work at a Mazda dealer in 04 or so, manually adjusting belts blew me away. Gm did away with that around 1987! One thing I did notice is if we changed a belt and did not have the OEM belt on hand and had to get something from a parts store, 99% of the time, if we had to use a Dayco belt, within 30 days the vehicle would be back with a squeal because they had so much initial stretch. Gates and Mazda belts we very rarely had a come back on.

 

Yes your belt is loose.

Yes low power steering fluid level may cause the squeal.

Sam