# Belt Squeal - DIY or probably not?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/belt-squeal-diy-or-probably-not/60067>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** civic, honda\
**Created:** [January 17, 2011, 4:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/belt-squeal-diy-or-probably-not/60067 "2011-01-17T16:16:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![lewhornIII](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/lewhorniii/32/5741_2.png) [@lewhornIII](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lewhornIII)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2011, 4:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/belt-squeal-diy-or-probably-not/60067/1 "2011-01-17T16:16:25Z")

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Hi  
  
 I’ve got a 2001 Honda Civic, automatic, that has a nice (what I think) belt squeal going.  
  
  
  
 It seems to happen when it’s wet/cold, in the lower gears/RPMs, when the defroster and/or rear defroster are on.  
  
  
  
 SOMETIMES it will stop when I turn off the defrosters. If it persists I can make it stop by quickly putting it in park (at a light or stop sign) and right back into D or if moving gunning it for a few seconds.  
  
  
  
 Occasionally I do get a hot rubber smell (like a burning vacuum belt) coming through as I accelerate.  
  
  
  
 So as someone with no real car knowledge, does this sound like a belt issue that I can take care or myself (i.e. belt tensioner and a gauge) or should I just leave it to the pros?  
  
  
  
 Thanks.

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**Author:** ![ken\_green](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/ken_green/32/816_2.png) [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2011, 4:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/belt-squeal-diy-or-probably-not/60067/2 "2011-01-17T16:20:39Z")

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As you prepare for DIY step one ( replacing the belt ) hand spin all the free pulleys when the old belt is off.  
If any of those are noisy or spin with a dry or gravelly feel replace that pulley now too.

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**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\
**Post date:** [January 17, 2011, 5:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/belt-squeal-diy-or-probably-not/60067/3 "2011-01-17T17:25:27Z")

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Is this the original belt? If so, go ahead and change it as it’s long overdue. I change the serpentine belts on my vehicles every 3 or 4 years. I’ve had good luck with Goodyear Poly-V belts.

Do it yourself might be a little tricky on a FWD vehicle though. As Ken mentioned, check the pulleys for binding.

Ed B.