1996 Honda Accord Squeak and No Air

1945 HONDA ACCORD
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MOUSE2MILE
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1996 Honda Accord 88,000 miles --- Any information would be greatly appreciated. I have two issues and not sure if they are related to one another. (1) My car's AC had gone several months ago, was recharged, and then went about a month later (mechanic said probably leak under dash). After a few weeks, would blow only warm air, and soon enough, no air at ALL. (tough when you live in S. Florida). Any idea as to what would cause ALL vents to stop working?
(2) This actually concerns me much more.... about 2 months ago my car would make a high pitch squeaking noise when I start it in the a.m. Over time, the squeaking would last longer (up to 45 seconds, weather idle or driving). This typically only happens when my car is parked/off for over 1/2 hr. or so, is loudest/longest in the a.m., and now occurs EVERY morning. Would these 2 issues have any relation to each other, would this cause a slight 'clicking noise' from my front right end at times when turning, and lastly, roughly how much would I be looking to spend to solve this?
Thanks all, much appreciated.
Apr 30, 2006 at 8:45 PM
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LOSONE
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The squeeking could be a bad A/C compressor. Turn off the A/C does it still squeek?

The other choice is a bad belt or possibly a bad alternator. If there are seperate belts they may only need tightening.

If the leak is "under the dash" then it is a bad evaperator and a bit pricy because the dash has to come out. Good luck
May 1, 2006 at 6:39 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Wow! The ticking noise should not be related. Look under the car at the CV boots. They are the rubber boots on the drive axles, two per axle. You will probably see a tear in one or more of these and that is the CV joint going out. That needs to be replaced.

The squeakng noise could be the belt on the a/c or one of the other belts. This could include the timing belt.

I don't quite follow the not blowing at all. That begins to sound electrical.
May 1, 2006 at 2:58 PM
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MOUSE2MILE
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Thanks again. Bruce, I agree that the ticking is probably not related, since that was the most recent 'problem'. [Recent update as of 5/1/06... The clicking still continued, and to make matters worse, I now hear a soft 'metal grinding' coming from front right end as well] -- I know, my luck has been awful this week.
I'll be the first to admit I dont know much about cars, I'm a mortgage expert, and a mechanics dream. How much does it typically cost to replace the CV joint on one side? Would the CV joint also make that 'grinding' noise, or is that something totally different? In regards to the vents, if it is the AC motor, or even one of the belts, what does that usually cost as well? I'm not a cheap person, and I realize you get what you pay for, but being a new resident of Forida from Boston, I don't want to drop is off at just 'any' shop. As crazy as is may sound living in 80*+ temps daily, my number one and two priorities right now are the 'clicking/grinding' from the front end, and the god-awful 'screeeeeeechin' noise upon ever start-up.

Thanks for the suggestions and tips all. Ever looking for a home loan/purchase... i'll hook ya up good. hahaha.
May 1, 2006 at 4:12 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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The CV job: Cost of part should be around $80 for the part and it should have a lifetime warranty. Installation is about an hour. There could be wheel bearing that is also going on that which could cause the grinding sound. That would only be determined after you get started taking it apart. I don't find them failing very often but the CV joints are a regular problem with most front wheel drive auto.

The A/C is a cost that I am unsure of. I do believe that taking care of the squeak will restore the cooling.
May 2, 2006 at 7:57 PM
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MOUSE2MILE
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Thanks for the help! Anyone have any other input. Will be bringing to shop very soon! Any info is much appreciated !!!
May 4, 2006 at 5:38 PM
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Suggested Repair

Check whether the startup squeak continues with the A/C off. Inspect and tighten or replace the accessory belts, and consider the A/C compressor or alternator if the noise persists. A suspected under-dash refrigerant leak points to a failed evaporator, which requires dash removal. No airflow at all may also be electrical. Inspect the front CV boots; a torn boot and clicking usually mean the CV joint should be replaced (about an hour of labor plus a roughly $80 part). Grinding on that side may be a wheel bearing and is confirmed during disassembly.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Honda Accord owner reported no air from any vents after the A/C lost charge and was suspected of leaking under the dash, plus a high-pitched squeak on startup that grew to about 45 seconds, and later clicking and soft metal grinding from the front right while turning. Experts said the squeak could be a belt, A/C compressor, or alternator, and that an under-dash leak is likely a costly evaporator. They said the clicking is unrelated and consistent with a failing CV joint from a torn boot, while grinding could be a wheel bearing found during repair. One expert thought correcting the squeak might restore cooling, but A/C cost was uncertain.

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