1G What could cause the squeling noise?

[KCz Eclipse]

It's me again. Within the last month, my 91 gsx has started making a squeling noise upon start up. The noise lasts for about 10 seconds or so, just a random number, then after that I dont hear it anymore. I guess one other time I might here it is when I downshift, and turn a corner and then get back into the gas. The noise is really loud, annoying, and I want to get it fixed. I love my car, wasn't sure I was. The thing is just a never ending project. What are some possibilites. I looked at other posts and couldn't quite find one matching my problem.

Thanks guys

 

[9D9X]

You checked all your belts to see if they are tight and all to the specs. Check and make sure your belts are not old and dry rotted too.

 

[Alan11]

PS belt, alternator belt, a/c belt.. or worst case scenario timming belt!

dont know what else its hard to guess..

Got a vid or have more details?!??

 

[KCz Eclipse]

I wish I could take a video, but the noise doesn't always happen on start up. Just had a tensioner installed and a new timing belt. So I would hope it isn't the Timing belt; I don't want to go through that again. My power steering pump leaked into my alternator, now my alternator is shot. I am buying a new alternator this coming monday, so I will probably buy a new belt at the same time.

 

[redondoaveb]

Just got my 2g back from the shop. It had a loud squealing sound. Water pump seized up, shredded the timing belt, bent eight valves. Hope it's not your water pump.

 

[KCz Eclipse]

Jesus that scares me. I don't have the money for a rebuild. My car would overheat if the water pump went bad, right?

 

[Alan11]

if you installed a new timing belt you should have changed the wter pump as well

i doubt is the water pump though.

 

[redondoaveb]

Mine didn't overheat, gauge read normal. I'm not sure if the bearing was going bad (the squealing noise) but the impeller was still turning (water pump still working) and then it just seized (the broken timing belt).

 

[KCz Eclipse]

Yeah I know I should have got a new pump while installing new belt, I thought about that after I forked over the money to get it done. I don't know what to do. I guess I will do a visual inspection of the belts, see if I can find anthing, if I can't I guess its time to take it to the shop again. I guess thats what happens with a 21 year old car. But I love the thing.

 

[9D9X]

No, don't worry most likely just your acc. belts. May have PS fluid on the belts and pulleys. You may have to get some belt and pulley cleaner in there. But first I would still check to make sure the belts are in spec.(being tight but not to tight) and not old and hard.

 

[KCz Eclipse]

How do I make sure they are tensioned right. I don't know enough about cars to work on my own. I am constantly learning though.

 

[OutKastGSX]

I wish I could take a video, but the noise doesn't always happen on start up. Just had a tensioner installed and a new timing belt. So I would hope it isn't the Timing belt; I don't want to go through that again. My power steering pump leaked into my alternator, now my alternator is shot. I am buying a new alternator this coming monday, so I will probably buy a new belt at the same time.

Same situation. except i did the entire timing job including water pump. but Im pretty sure one of the belts is a little tight. Im thinking alternator belt. I had the ps pump leak on my old al. so i got a new one and all new belts And everything.

 

[9D9X]

How do I make sure they are tensioned right. I don't know enough about cars to work on my own. I am constantly learning though.

There is a measurement technique. In the manual it says if the center of one pulley to the next is 7in to 11in it should be around a 1/4in defection, 12in to 16in it should be around 1/2in defection. Put a straightedge from pulley to pulley on top up the belt and use another ruler to measure how far it defects halfway between the pulleys. You can also use the quick technique alot of guys use is that you should be able to twist the belt to about 90* with your thumb and forefinger. If you can twist it beyond 90* you need to tighten the belt, less and you should loosen it. I've never lost the belt squeal battle with this technique.

 

[KCz Eclipse]

I ended buying a new alternator from eBay. Took it to the shop down the road got it installed. The guy told me I was missing a bolt that holds the alternator in place. So I am assuming that is what was causing the squelling noise because after the install I haven't heard it since.

 

[99ECLIPSEGSXDSM]

Don't be surprised that alternator doesn't last a year. Glad to hear you fixed the noise tho.

 

[KCz Eclipse]

Why shouldn't I be suprised? Have you had bad luck with them?

 

[99ECLIPSEGSXDSM]

Mine died within 4 months. Some people get lucky but just don't be shocked

 

[Smeed78]

That makes sense that missing that bolt would cause that noise. That belt wouldn't have been tensioned correctly. My damn car does that every now and then. The guy I go to said my damn pullies are the reason mine squeels. It is noticeably worse in the cooler weather for some reason. Just have to keep retightening it.

 

[KCz Eclipse]

Yup that sounds like the problem I was having.