squeeking while idling

[MikeLikesMazda]

lately ive noticed a squeaking noise whenever the car is idling, regardless of whether im moving or at a stop. lately its gotten more constant and its really starting to bug me lol

any ideas or feedback are appreciated

 

[speed1016]

does it sound like a belt? Mine is doing it also, but I dont think mines a belt. I changed both belts about 2 months ago.

 

[KZL_99ES]

if it's squealing, then it's 95% of the time the belts, and:

a) they need to be changed
or
b) they need to be tightened (this is usually the culprit)

 

[MikeLikesMazda]

not the belts, cause wouldn't they squeak all the time?

 

[MSP2024]

mine does it off and on when its cold to its kinda wierd

 

[KZL_99ES]

not the belts, cause wouldn't they squeak all the time?

not not necessarily, if your belts are not tight, they will mostly squeak:

-when the engine is not warmed up
-when it is cold outside (usually under 40*F)
-when you are at idle/low rpms
-when you have a lot of accessories on

...that's all that i can think of for now.
does that help?

 

[MikeLikesMazda]

ill have to check that

 

[protokid]

also check the shifter... if the shifter moves a lil when it start squeaking and if it does hold it and check if the squeaking stops this happen to my car like a week ago and i greased it and it stop the squeaking and it that is not the problem take it to a mechanic fast and get that checked up!!!

 

[Ethiridos]

My belts do the same...I dunno if this happens to all the Proteges but it seems to happen to quite a few people. I had mine replace last January and the following week the began to squeak. I had them tightened and it did not happen again; not for the spring, nor the summer....but the cold hits again. So I lost one of my belts last week and had to get a new one and get it installed for about $100.

It appears the cold makes them squeaky? It really annoys me too..so I usually let the car warm up for about 5 mins and it goes away. Also, I noticed that it happens when I have the heater and headlights on...it seems to drain more power that way. I have not put any belt conditioner cause I heard from a mechanic I know not to put anything there. Oh well...any tips?

 

[2003protege]

Almost certainly a belt. And it could be the timing belt or the accessory belt.

If you've never had a belt replaced and your car has 60k+ miles, that's almost certainly a belt.

A belt can squeak no matter how cold or new it is. After I had mine replaced, it squeaked because they didn't have it tight enough. A belt shouldn't squeak JUST because it's cold.

If it's an old belt, get it replaced though. It can damage the engine if it breaks while the engine's running.

 

[slavrenz]

I'm not sure why, but I've heard that a constant squeaking sound can also mean that the water pump is about ready to give up the ghost. But don't quote me on that

 

[MikeLikesMazda]

everything on/in the engine is new as i had it rebuilt in september (damn #4 rod bearing)

 

[cplagge]

How do you tighten your belt? where is the bolt or whatever? thanks

 

[cplagge]

bumpeh

 

[KZL_99ES]

your alt belt is a lot harder to get to than the pwr steering one is,
my car going to the shop for a new fuel pump (the car won't even start...)

...so i'll take some pics and post em up in the next few days!

 

[slavrenz]

What about if my car squeaks during drive and reverse, but not in idle or neutral. I have pinpointed the sound to be coming from the belt area, but is it unusual that this would happen in reverse and drive, but not in idle?

 

[Not Jo3L]

i got the same prob...I thought I was tightening the belt connected to the alt..but for some reason the other belt got tighter.