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What is your question?
Geo Prizm with 122000 miles. Alternator was faulty making loud noise and a burning plastic smell. Replaced with new DENSO alternator and later 3 OEM Toyota belts. Loud noise and smell went away. Though, squeaking noise was really awful with the older aftermarket belts. It's much better now with new belts, but still a bit of squeaking with start-up, and worse when AC is on. After a good drive the noise disappeared. I just don't want this alternator to go bad prematurely. AC blows nice and cold and have not noticed any issues. What is still causing minor squeaking and how should I proceed?
2 Replies
Belt or belts need more tension .. Check tension on 'ALL' belts .. Tighten as needed!!
Good luck on finding a competent mechanic to pin point the problem and do it for under $300. My job cost over $400. You may find a gas station to do it for your listed price quote, but they'll also replace and charge the customer for belts and who knows what else in the process.
As I stated > [Prices may certainly vary] .. Just did the same repair on a 98 Chevy Lumina for $285.00 total... You're right, the trick to it is finding a reputable repair shop with a long term record of having competent mechanics! .. I'm positive it's different here in rural southwest Virginia than other places as far as auto repair cost goes .. That said, we've been doing just fine at it for 'several' years now, at the rates we charge!
Harmonic balancer was failing. Had it replaced. Cost an arm and a leg but at least it's fixed. Glad I had the noise to know because the whole engine could have been destroyed. This is one part surely misunderstood and not to overlook!
Actually that's not an uncommon failure at all .. However it IS uncommon on the Toyota engine that is in your Prizm. Just to let others know > A good quality aftermarket balancer 'should' cost around $85.00 to $110.00 and labor to replace the balancer 'should' be no more than one hour! .. Prices may certainly vary .. Thanks for the reply .. Glad you have it fixed!