2003 Hyundai Elantra Cold Start Engine Squealing

SG9798

MEMBER
2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
99,000 MILES

When I start my car on cold days (30 degrees) there's a loud squealing noise coming from the engine. It seems to get worse each day and sounds pretty bad and annoying. I had the power steering pump and the belt replaced several weeks ago. This solved the problem for a few days and then the squeal was back. Someone mentioned that it may be a CV joint? It worries me that the mechanic didn't fix the problem. He checked the car over and told us everything else looks fine. Timing belt, etc. Any ideas what could be causing the squealing noise?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

You are describing a belt squeal. The new belt may have stretched. The most common belt to make noise on start up is the alternator belt. If you have a seperate belt for it, check to make sure it is tight and in good condition. Check all belts to make sure of their condition and that they are tight. My guess is the alt belt.

If your car only has one belt, a serp belt, have the automatic tensionier checked or if it is a manual adjuster, it may just need tightened.

Also, the CV joints will not squeal on start up. Infact, they never squeal. When they are bad, they make a clicking sound on turns.

Let me know if you have other questions and if this helps.

Joe