Numerous Problems Please help.

[MikeL7]

I love my protege5 alot, unfortunatly the previous owner didn't keep good care of the engine. So far, since i got the car in june, its been down like every other week. Ive already put new belts, which i didnt realize they were completely shreaded, a new radiator, when the belt for the water pump snapped, a spot on the radiator that was already puttied blew open, a new water pump because the bearings were going bad which shreaded the belt, a new hose for the air intake because it was being held together with clear packaging tape. Now that thats all fixed, it still makes a real loud screaching noise, but now its only when i have my ac or defroster on, its on the passanger side, and ive done some research but im still not sure what it exactly is. When i start to accellerate it sounds like a really loud screaching/ grinding sound, and after a few minutes on the road it stops. IDK if it is the alternator, or the ac and defroster. I also noticed a creeking sound, on the passanger side. The bearings were just changed a week before i bought the car, (i know cause it delayed me from buying it for a few days). I think its the suspension, but how can i be sure? If it is the suspension, i am just gonna lower the car right away. I really love the car, and i cant wait to get all the repairs done with so i could start spending my money on aftermarket parts . Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

It sounds like the belts may not be tight. It could be something else, but I would get them tightened first. The proper procedure for installing belts is to retighten them about two weeks after the initial installation. I failed to do this and ruined a set of belts. Sorry you've had such bad luck with the car so far, but this is a minor problem...you'll get it fixed and then be able to enjoy the car!

 

[CheeseHelmet]

+1 for loose belts. You can check yourself if they need to be tightened, push down on the belt and see how much it deflects. If it's more than 1cm when pushing with moderate force it needs tightening.

The creaking could be the strut or perhaps a sway bar bushing that could use a little lube.

 

[MikeL7]

ok thanks ill have 2 check them out

 

[MikeL7]

It might be my belt for my alternator, the top one feels tight but the bottom one feels a little loose, but i have another question now... when i was under the hood last night, i just happened to look in my antifreeze container, and there was very very little, it was almost empty, about a month ago when i checked it, it was on full, could it be a leak or somethin? like i said earlier, i just had the radiator, waterpump, and all the hoses replaced... idk what it could be?

 

[CheeseHelmet]

One of the hoses could be leaking if the clamps weren't installed properly. Or they might have not topped up the rad fully before giving the car back to you. Your best bet is to simply refill it and keep an eye on it.

 

[03prot5]

I have that same loud screaching issue but mine was easy to pin point. It's the alternator belt. I recently replaced my oil pan and I guess I tightened the bolts too tight and the gasket it kind of squeezed out a little bit letting some oil get up on the belt which has caused this high pitched screech every time I start my car now.

 

[walkingchaos]

screeching like that is almost always belt tension. If you think it feels a bit loose its DEF loose, if you think it feels ok, tighten it a bit and drive on

 

[MikeL7]

yep tightened the alternator belt and no more screach