1992 Toyota Celica Engine Squeal

1992 TOYOTA CELICA
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MAC-LARRY
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  • 1 POST
1992 Toyota Celica mileage: 180,000 When accelerating hard I hear a squealing noise from the engine compartment. I thought it was the belts but after replacing the two belts on the engine I still get the squeal. It starts at around 3000 rpm and gets louder with rpm. Any idea’s on what can cause this sound?
Thanks for the help.
Dec 25, 2006 at 3:44 PM
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GARFIELD
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It could be anyone of your accessories like you ac compressor, water pump, alternator, power steering pump or any of the idle pulleys. All have bearings that go bad over time. You can check them by removing the belts and turning the accessory ensuring that they are smooth to turn and do not feel rough. Anyone that doesn't feel smooth, replace. As for the ac just disconnect its belt and drive the car and see if the noise goes away. If it does then it will be the compressor clutch or the idler pulley bearing. Hope this helps.

Gary
Dec 25, 2006 at 10:19 PM
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HYPOID
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My 1993 Toyota Celica GT had the same problem. Low oil pressure caused the timing belt idler to slack and the timing belt started hitting the cover. I ended up having to replace the belt and fix some oil leaks. Does it still squeal when you top off the oil and accelerate with a warm engine? It could also be a stretched timing belt.
Oct 18, 2009 at 2:02 PM
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Suggested Repair

With the belts off, spin the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and idler pulleys and replace any that feel rough. Disconnect the A/C belt and test drive to isolate the compressor clutch or idler. Also check the oil level and inspect the timing belt and idler if the squeal continues.

Conversation Summary

A 1992 Toyota Celica with 180,000 miles squeals from the engine bay under hard acceleration from about 3000 rpm, even after both drive belts were replaced. An expert advised checking accessory bearings by spinning the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and idlers with the belts removed, and isolating the A/C by driving with its belt disconnected. Another owner reported a similar Celica noise from low oil pressure letting the timing belt idler slack so the belt hit the cover, and suggested checking oil level and a stretched timing belt.

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