1997 - Squealing belt when air conditioning is on
 

1997 Honda Civic LX manual transmission

When I'm driving and turn my air conditioner on, there is a squealing under the hood. The squealing does not last long, and I think it only happens when I'm accelerating. I don't really notice it after a few seconds and it seems like it was much worse two weeks ago. There is no squeal when the Air conditioning is off.

I'm going to get some new belts but I was wondering if I should order some other replacement parts before I do the fix, just in case I find that I need something else. What other parts may be worn out? Tensioner? Pulley? Bearings? Bracket? I believe I need a new AC belt but I'm not too knowledgeable about any other issues that might need addressing. Please send images or links so I know exactly what parts to purchase. Thanks!

Your A/C belt (if in good shape) may just need tightening. Check out youtube to find out where your tensioner is and how much movement should be in the belt. I just changed both belts in my 05 Civic. Not a fun job! I had to remove the left front wheel and then the inner fender plastic to get to the bolt and adjuster on the alternator (which is what has to be adjusted to tighten the belt that goes to the A/C compressor).If I had to do it again, I'd take it to my corner garage and let them do it. Good luck.
Duane

Any update to your problem? Did you fix it and if so, what did you do? By reporting back to everyone here, it may help someone else with the same problem in the future. That's one of the purposes of this forum.
Duane