Hit the A/C on my 97 4door civic lx and it squeals like a pig! Quiets down after a few minutes, but the belt feels a bit loose. How do you adjust the a/c belt? How about the other belts? Might as well check them all. I see what looks like an ajdustment screw right on top, near the valve cover, but can't really tell where the bolts are to loosen the pieces so they can be adjusted.
Thx

 

Loosen (do not remove) the nut on the idler pulley and turn the long jack screw that goes to the idler pulley axle to tighten the belt. Then tighten the nut.

Only the A/C has an idler pulley. The power steering and alternator belts are adjusted by moving the pump or the alternator respectively.

 

If the belt has been squeeling for awhile, you may need to replace the belt. Sometimes the belt will get glazed and it will have a tendency to squeel. If you decide not to replace the belt be carefulwith thebelt tension.

 

If tightening or replacing the A/C belt doesn't happen to solve the problem, then you may have a bad bearing in the A/C compressor.

 

Is the idler pulley the bolt that goes through the pulley? Any hints on how to get at this to loosen it? To far to reach with a standard wrench, and not enough room to get a socket on it.

Thx

 

I think you can access the bolt from below the car after removing the splash guard.

 

If you have power steering may be easier to work on it from underneath. You will need a 14mm end wrench on that nut, socket won't fit. You could also remove the power steering pump to make the A/C parts easier to reach. Unbolt the pump from the engine but don't disconnect the fluid lines, and push it aside.

 

a close search of my toolbox yeilded an open end wrench that was just long enough to do the job. A couple turns on the adjuser bolt and the belt squeel went away. Thanks again for all the help.