00-05 Honda Civic AC Belt Squeal Easy Fix

[@davidrawlings6430]

Just wanted to say thank you. I did exactly as you said and it worked like a charm! Much easier than removing the power steering pump and loosening the top alternator bolt. She's quiet now. Thanks again!

[@PBure96]

Thanks! Tried this on my 03 Civic LX and it worked! As others have said, instead of removing the driver's side wheel, I just turned the steering wheel all the way to the left and reached the 13mm bolt from there (after removing the plastic clips holding in the plastic wheel well protector thing) Then I got my hand down on the wingnut from inside the hood without removing any of the other stuff. Tools I used: -needle nose pliers to remove plastic clips from wheel well. Little flathead screwdriver also works nicely. -13mm long socket + ratchet -WD-40 (mine def needed it.) Thanks again for posting the vid. I love the unsung heroes of KZbin posting these.

[@mrblue160]

Thanks!

[@luis10350nx]

Amazing video man, just to update, the 14mm one seems to be holding that piece to the frame so I only loosened up the 13mm one (on the left) and that allowed me to turn the butterfly nut, but still man, i wouldn’t have done it without this video so thanks a lot!!

[@terrykeyes1642]

Thank you! I changed my belt when I changed my alternator but didn’t tighten it enough. It’s been squealing ever since and I’ve too lazy to take everything off again. I’m working on my brakes now so I have easy access to these bolts. This is much easier than the other way and will save me a ton of time. Now I won’t get funny looks when I stop at lights anymore hahah.

[@QuinnHolt-ns5sl]

This could be the best car repair related video I've ever seen. I wish more people produced videos with the same level of brevity, clarity and focus. You are awesome. Thank you.

[@Rubbercity1]

I’m doing this tomorrow that sound has got on my last nerve.

[@shanedawson-xt3wt]

Did it work?

[@Rubbercity1]

@@shanedawson-xt3wt no I couldn’t get the thing to move at all.

[@shanedawson-xt3wt]

@@Rubbercity1 the wing nut? I fixed mine and it was easy. Didn’t even have to remove the tire either. You can use a pair of Pliers to help move the wing nut!

[@Rubbercity1]

@@shanedawson-xt3wt I’ll have to try again it felt like it was going to break so I left it alone.

[@DRose-ed9no]

@@Rubbercity1 has it worked for you ? Just did this right now it it fixed the noise

[@HECTOR637]

Man, thank you very much. I had boil myself at every traffic light trying no to bother or scare anybody. I was about to get the V belt and get myself an a big mess and replace the belt when I found your video. Problem solved in my case. Thanks a million!

[@angeljimenez1280]

this is me right now, the sound is so embarrassing and loud😂, im going to follow this video now for sure

[@yeschickennuggets_3307]

Bro sameeeee it’s so annoying

[@DarrenWorldW1de]

@@yeschickennuggets_3307 SAME! my Honda is sounding like a ‘79 Cadillac on a cold morning lol I’m gon fix mine this weekend

[@GoofyKnockz]

so basically all you have to do is loosen the 13mm bolt and instead of turning the wing nut from the engine bay you can use a 12mm wrench and tighten it from where u loosen the 13mm bolt, the wing nut has a place where the 12mm wrench will fit on and u can tighten it from there and make ur life a lot more easier. great video thank you!

[@JavaRivers]

I'm going to give this a shot. I can't reach the wing nut with my big meaty arms 💪😂😂

[@GoofyKnockz]

@@JavaRivers i got an 04 acura el but the 01-05 civic is the same so i should be the same for everyone else also i think i meant to say 12mm instead of 13mm but i cant remeber i was in a rusgh when i typed it and now i cant remember what socket i really used, but you dont have to loosen the bracket off the whole engine

[@davidrawlings6430]

@@GoofyKnockz It's a 12mm

[@GoofyKnockz]

@@davidrawlings6430 for me it was 13mm 12 wouldn’t fit not sure if it was replaced by previous owner

[@eldiabs]

No need to pull the tire either. Just turn the wheels as far to the driver's side as you can. Easy to reach. Piece of cake. :]

[@angeljimenez1280]

still need a jack?

[@eldiabs]

@@angeljimenez1280 Nope. Block rear tires, turn vehicle on, turn tires to driver's side, turn off vehicle, apply emergency brake, get to work. :]

[@chuckp1832]

The alternator pivot bolt should also be loosened. It will be very difficult to tighten the belt with the wing nut if the alternator cannot pivot. The pivot bolt is at the top of the alternator and underneath the p/s pump.

[@sybildisobedience9969]

Joseph THANK YOU!!!! I fell asleep watching other videos on this topic.

[@kikrome5435]

Thank you for making this look simpler than other videos. I will be trying this on my wife's car this weekend. Great video.

[@hippaman2435]

This video is exactly what I was looking for, same exact car too. Couldn’t be more grateful for this.

[@ledzeppelin1212]

Thanks for the video! I don't think you need to loosen the 14mm bolt--just the 13mm and another bolt on top of the alternator, to allow it to move as it's tightened.

[@luis10350nx]

I was about to comment on that, actually i just loosened up the 13mm and that allowed me to turn that butterfly nut. the 14mm seems to be attached to the frame to keep it in place.. no other bolt had to be loosened ip

[@DevinRisner]

I was thinking the bolt at the top of the alternator should probably be loosened. My wingnut was very hard to turn and I think that's why. The 14mm bolt on the bracket does seem to me to need loosened if the slot for the adjustment bolt doesn't align perfectly and may need to shift a bit at times.

[@150DayDay]

@@DevinRisnerwhich bolt did you loosen up top

[@SA-Bean-Bean]

Dude thank you for this! You explain stuff and actually show it at the same time which makes it so easy. Most people dont show step by step like this and i appreciate it! Hopefully your other videos can help me with my civic!

[@jeffg5056]

The 12mm on the left was already loose on my 05 civic. I just turned the butterfly nut 1 and 1/2 turns clockwise and tightened the 12mm nut. No more squeal!. I was able to turn the left tire all the way left to get to the 12mm with a socket and small extension after removing the bottom plastic cover.

[@KingnamedBeto]

Worked for my 05, it was a pain to work on the street especially it being a street corner 😂 but still made it happen.

[@ricksandoval1187]

Just got a 2004 civic gx. Soo happy... What a nice little car with great has mileage

[@luke4492]

This is sick bro thank you for easy explanation. Could not find a video that shows this process without taking off and replacing entire serpentine belt 😂

[@wiredawg2005]

Great Vid, my son owns a 2003 Honda Civic, we did an oil/filter change & replaced tires over the holiday weekend. Then I ran into the belt squealing issue. He said it does not happen all the time mostly when it is cold out and on start-up. In his case, it is not really related to turning on the AC as it does not work great, and he does not use it. And he had to go back to school. Anywho, had to figure out how to make belt adjustments for when he returns home for Christmas break, so here I am. Maybe, we get lucky and only have to adjust the power steering belt. But will have to take a closer look/inspect the belts.

[@angeljimenez1280]

was this the issue?

[@JavaRivers]

7 month check in -- Did you figure it out?

[@DarrenWorldW1de]

@@JavaRivers I’m in the same boat as Wiredawg2005. Mine only squeals briefly at startup but not all the time. Also it randomly squeaks driving down the road. I had the AC belt replaced 4000 miles ago and I think it just needs tightened. I’m fixing mine this week and I’ll let you know if that solved the issue

[@JavaRivers]

@@DarrenWorldW1de My mechanic mentioned the stress on the belts are highest right when you start the engine, so that moment can tip a partly worn belt to the point of squeaking. If it happens randomly while driving, my own car has the pattern of squealing intensely when I kick it back into 2nd or 3rd gear. If yours is an automatic, this could appear random. After several head-scratching return trips to the mechanic, we settled on "Maybe it's sand in the belts?" Because the squeak started when my splash guard fell off, I moved to the desert, and I started driving dirt roads daily. I got the guy's guarantee the belts wouldn't snap because of the squeak 🤷 Idk, just some food for thought.

[@DarrenWorldW1de]

@@JavaRivers yoooo I’m just seeing this other message for some reason. This past Saturday my buddy was able to tighten both the power steering belt and the AC-ALT belt and no more squeaks! The belts were put on 4000 miles ago, so I knew it wasn’t a worn belt. They just weren’t tightened properly when he put them on. (In his defense, it was about 105 degrees with heat index the day he installed them. I decided to ride the squeak out bc I thought it was my AC compressor making noise bc I was low on Freon.) He was able to access the belts from the top and didn’t have to take the front tire off or anything. Just moved the PS reservoir to the side and took off the bracket holding the PS reservoir. Thanks for the response and I hope yours is a simple fix also 💪🏼

[@postalbyke]

Great video, but I found that I need to replace the belt, so it's to the other video I go! Excellent instructions, quick and to the point. Thank you.

[@RydeR-89]

Thank you no more squealing for me always thought it was my power steering belt 👍👍

[@wiredawg2005]

Just curious what were your symptoms? Did it only squeal when you turned on your AC or were you getting belt squeal on start-up, random squealing, colder weather squealing? My son has a 2003 Civic and is experiencing belt squeal I believe it's on start-up. Now that I know how to make adjustments just attempting to pinpoint.

[@MooMoo22]

@@wiredawg2005 I know this is a year old, but my car was only doing it with the AC on, but starting today it now does it with AC off for some reason, and for way longer than before. Never was longer than like 5 seconds before, now it can last for like 20-30 seconds. Really only happens when it's cold or wet. Hoping I can wait till summer to fix this. Aslong as I don't need AC, there's no damage being done with this squealing right?

[@Okuninushi-p1e]

I love the lighting, camera work, and articulate explanation. Great job.

[@lockinbrian]

Hey, this video did help me. I hope you have a great day today.

[@timothystalloch6432]

Thanks, very helpful. On mine there is a hex behind the wing nut and I was able to use a 12mm wrench from the wheel well. If I ever need to remove the alternator l would remove the wing nut and replace with a hex bolt, then I could use a box ratchet for the adjustment.

[@ChimplaGoober]

Gunna try this out today thanks man!! Also very clear instructions and great explanations so thank you! 🙏💗

[@crystalanderson9245]

You are awesome for making this video. Not does it only save time, but it saves money, AND the potential of causing more problems by taking out all the parts and putting them back in. Thank you thank you 😊

[@FutureDreamZz]

Did it work?

[@mattenniskiler22]

Watched the video and did it in 3 hours. Thanks!

[@darrellminx5459]

Great video! Well done. Your video makes total sense while the others are ok you keep it simple and consice. I appreciate it.!!!!

[@Hotdrboy88]

for the screw... Clockwise or counter Clockwise I'm suppose to spin the screw? Thanks for the video

[@SuperMommaX6]

As you face the bolt, turning right is tight (clockwise), and left is loose (counter clockwise). Therefore you loosen the 13 and 14 bolt to tighten the butterfly looking bolt at the front... don't forget to go back and tighten your 13/14 back up

[@Hotdrboy88]

@Integra you seem cool, what's your IG if you don't mind.

[@leke4739]

Is this the alternator belt?

[@daveking1470]

I thought you have to loosen the bolt by the top of the alternator for it to move enough to be adjustable.

[@joojoojeejee6058]

I managed to do it totally from above, as I have electric power steering and no pump in the way. You only need to loosen the frontmost bolt AND (apparently, possibly?) the bolt on top of the alternator.

[@spec.k.1567]

Thanks Joseph !!! Great video, very clear explanation and directions on how to adjust / tighten the AC belt, exactly what I needed to do.

[@knechthedotz]

Very clear concise and informative. Thank you!

[@makav911]

I appreciate the video....alot more easier!!

[@wisaac6502]

Thanks for sharing. Did you turn the-wing nut clockwise to tighten or counter clockwise to tighten?

[@davidrawlings6430]

Turn clockwise to tighten the belt.

[@wisaac6502]

Thanks

[@Leon6D]

Darn it! this vid is awesome and str84ward! Thanks man!!!

[@Felipe282]

Thanks so much I will do today

[@FutureDreamZz]

Did it work?

[@MichaelPNW1982]

Thanks for this video. I did the alternator replacement today and it was a bitch. But apparently I didn’t get belt tight enough because it’s squealing loud as hell now. With big hands it’s hard to get in those tight spots, and I was dreading tomorrow morning when I planned to tackle it. Doing it this way looks way easier, now that the alternator is in, and gives me hope I won’t lose my mind again. 😂

[@brandondillard2306]

Subscribed thank you!

[@210arun]

Thanks for uploading this man

[@MrDonjuan1973]

Great video except that I nearly stripped the bolt that you said was 13mm, on my 2001 Honda Civic LX it was actually 12mm.

[@woongjulee4373]

It was 12mm for me too. Honda civic 2005

[@barbarasmith8635]

Great video but the gray one that wing nut looks like it would be on the other side if you were tightening it up

[@Bweens]

You're a legend 👏👏

[@dominatorcda7180]

Didn't find the piece of info I was looking for here which is WHICH WAY TIGHTENS???? Does clockwise tighten or counterclockwise? this isn't a conventional bolt.

[@abelyerikaguerra1540]

Thank you for the video I'll try it tomorrow on my 04 civic...👍

[@shelbywehrman5796]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing!

[@Adam-ob7sm]

You rock man! Thank you

[@terryobrien308]

I am so thankful for your video. It helped

[@kepler8839]

Awesome video helped me out big time tyty

[@wayneseuraj2708]

This worked for me

[@tyroneyoung5346]

What size are those two bolts? I replaced my alternator a few weeks ago. I just noticed this past weekend the two bolts on that bracket backed out and are gone.

[@darrellminx5459]

Good video Brother

[@cojogetem5296]

Badass fix

[@colinellicott9737]

Perfect vid - thx!

[@CT-pb7ds]

Forgot about the upper alternator bolt that needs to be loosened

[@davidrawlings6430]

It does not need to be loosened.

[@adambrandt1858]

I dont think you have to loosen the one on the right

[@JoeDubs432]

Youre Probably right

[@texaslonghorn9797]

You don’t

[@ledzeppelin1212]

Correct. I believe one would need to loosen the mounting bolt on TOP of the alternator in addition to just one down below.

[@scratchymaster]

Yea the top alternator is the tough bolt. Don't see how to remove that with power steering pump still on.

[@nadinfloresmatos4555]

Works nice noise is away yeah Thank you

[@davegriffin7979]

It sure helped me, thanks

[@blakeemel3819]

sooo when you turn your ac on does it squeal

[@cbgreely]

Nice job and thanks!

[@Kidos444]

You have to loosen alternator bolt also

[@rodneyramlochan3096]

Thanks bro 👌👍

[@insanerator651]

How does one do this with everything rusted?

[@dack4dust856]

would it be possible to replace the belt this way or would u have to do it the other way by pulling the power steering out?

[@bohlempire9537]

You have to remove the power steering pump/fluid compartment to access the alternator because you have to loosen the bolt holding the tension on the alternator to push down on it and remove the ac belt. It’s the same process as the above vid in the wheel well except you are loosing the wing nut. It’s not difficult to remove the power steering pump though, only 2 bolts.

[@nwoodw]

Thank you! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@marcoguimaraes9777]

Thank you!!!

[@mikeace9153]

Very helpful

[@daniloespiritu6072]

Thank you Sir

[@scratchymaster]

You forgot the top alternator bolt. To loosen that one requires placing the power steering pump elsewhere, which is why every other video does so.

[@hardhatcat100]

Exactly. Will squeak again.

[@stevierayvisited2758]

Thanks man!

[@sequoiahw.4371]

I have an 05 civic and it squeals every now and then when I start it. It’s really really loud. Is there a way to use belt dressing on the a/c belt? Would it stop the squeaking noise once spraying it on there?

[@bohlempire9537]

@RoamingLlama Unless it’s at the dealership service dept. They quoted me $430 for a drive belt that failed state inspection. Of course I replaced them myself with Bando belts which are Honda OEM and are half price.

[@KeithShomaker]

Has anyone ever have issues with the transmission sort of sliping when all the sudden the D on the dash is flashing... the D drive light. What is wrong

[@gatrhumpy]

The bolts are 12mm and 14 mm.

[@nultari1]

The swivel bolt broke loose easily but the other 12mm is too hard

[@AndresGuzman956]

Don’t need to take the tire off just reach on the right side and feel the bolts, I think it’s a 13mm or 14 haha

[@caseyporter9349]

Ty

[@HenryFernandez-nh1jx]

Just got both of my belts replaced by a shop and it just made that noise even more obnoxious now it won’t stop hopefully this is the issue in this case

[@lollyblaster]

I just tried this today on my 05 civic si coupe. Holy fk that wing nut is hard to turn. Used some wd40, managed to wiggle it right with some pliers, its much tighter, but it keeps coming loose…. I tightened it up and secured the two bolts up but the squeeling keeps coming back after a couple starts… what did i do wrong??

[@lollyblaster]

Is it as simple as fkn with those bolts, trying to tighten the actual hardware up before tightening again? Any comments about it help. That squeal sounds so trashy

[@DarrenWorldW1de]

@@lollyblaster did you get yours fixed yet? I’m bout to dig into mine this weekend. Had the belts replaced 4000 miles ago and I don’t think it was tightened enough when installing. The wing nut was so loose the other day I could tighten by hand. Gonna follow the video and I’ll let you know what’s up. Yes, the sound makes you sound poor af 🤣

[@curtismoff]

Belt wasn’t the problem with my 04 civic was compresser itself

[@ronaldslater7755]

That is not a wing nut. That is a wing bolt.

[@djkid2b]

I removed headlight to get to the wing nut is easy faster

[@sameermavi7503]

Bro can you plzz tell me how to bypass power steering belt. I dont want the power steering

[@maeh1224]

I think mine have the same problem

[@Zachary.Bourdeau]

what happens when the noise stops?

[@HellbentWILDMAN]

Ever try a basic wrench? Lol

[@mattroberts2679]

This is not accurate for the 00 honda civic

[@cybershinigami9907]

Like I'm going to remove my damn tire. Just gonna take my junker to the mechanic

[@dmanbloom2107]

removing the tire is probably the easiest thing someone can do

[@cybershinigami9907]

@@dmanbloom2107 didn't ask though there bud. And I didn't have a jack so yeah

[@shanedawson-xt3wt]

Nobody asked you to be so negative on such a positive post! If you don’t want to remove your tire hey it’s your car do what ever you want and take it to whom ever you want! They will charge you a lot but hey it’s your car go for it. But you didn’t have to even comment since your comment doesn’t help anyone who wants to fix it themselves!

[@thottie.g3582]

@@cybershinigami9907 We didnt ask you as well go s*ck your mechanic

[@lowridingtrucks88]

Thanks for sharing, 👍