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Loud, embarrassing squealing noise

Tiny
JASMINE.HARDEMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
I have a 1999 Honda Accord LX. When I crank up my car, it makes a really loud squealing noise coming from the front of my car, and sometimes on idle, I hear chirping. What might this be before I take it to the shop? Thank you!
Monday, January 10th, 2011 AT 1:45 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Such noises are usually from the drive belts. Have them checked/adjusted/replaced as necessary.

Have the crank pulley harmonic damper checked as well.
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Monday, January 10th, 2011 AT 4:38 PM
Tiny
DAMION8807
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
I had the drive belts on my 97 accord begin to squeal. The belts were cracked and worn so I went ahead and replaced them. The squeal has continued. It is worse when I start the car, it squeals for about 5 secs and than levels out. If I turn on the ac a faint chirping can be heard. After the car worms up the sounds seem to disappear. The ac blows cold air, I didn't know if it could be the ac compressor needing lubricant, or if the tension is just off on the belt. I've tried belt dressing and it doesn't seem to help the issue. Any help would be appreciated.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi damion8807,

Either the belt has not been adjusted to the required tension or the crankshaft pulley damper is faulty which requires the pulley to be replaced.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GEORGE JOECKEN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 HONDA ACCORD
Steering problem
1996 Honda Accord 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 125K miles

The rack & pinion boot was leaking oil (right side).
I replaced unit with rebuilt R&P. Seemed fine.
Car still squeals in a turn. New unit does not leak any oil.

Sincerely
Feeling Stupid

updated 2-10-10
Regarding the suggestion to tighten the power steering belt. I did this and now it is more noisy than before. I guess I need to replace the pump bearings? Is that it?
Thanks
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi George Joecken,

Thank you for the donation.

Did you check the pump belt tension? A loose belt would slip and squeal when the steering is turned. Being a multi-ribbed belt, deflection is not much, you would need to twist the belt to feel its tension.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
If it is squealing, it is not the pump but the belts. Is the belt condition good? A worn bad belt would squeal when it slips. Pour some water onto the power steering belt while the engine is running and test if the noise gets worse or is lessened.

A bad pump would groan or whine but not squeal.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LANNAH1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 HONDA ACCORD
Brakes problem
1994 Honda Accord Engine Size unknown Front Wheel Drive Automatic 150000 miles

I have a 1994 Honda Accord and recently it has been making a squealing sound. It doesn't make the sound all the time only occassionaly. My fiance insists that its the breaks but, I am not sure because it doesnt make a squealing sound when I press the brakes and there is not grinding sound when the brakes are pressed either. With the previous Honda Accord I had it would make a squealing noise and it was just a loose belt. Do I really need to get my brakes changed or is it a loose belt?
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,754 POSTS
Brakes would make their noise when you apply the brakes. The belts should not make a noise but if they are loose they are more apt to do this when stressed. For instance, cold start up, turning steering wheel to full left or right or a/c kick on.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 1989 HONDA ACCORD
  • 92,000 MILES
Sometimes my car makes a squealing noise when I first start it up after it's been sitting overnite. It only lasts a few seconds and mostly happens only when the engine is cold. What is causing this?
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
Possibly a loose belt, or one that is a bit glazed and perhaps might need to be replaced. By belt I mean the belt that drives the alternator/water pump/air conditioning compressor.
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Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 AT 12:34 PM (Merged)

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