I have a 93 929. When I start the car it will squeal for about 20 seconds then run fine. I replaced all 3 belts, cleaning the pulleys and checking the tensioners too. I even sprayed the belts with belt dressing. I took off the AC belt and it still did it. It’s either the power steering pump or alternator. Anyone have either the PS or Alt bearings go bad as to squeal only when you start the car and no other time?

 

Does the squeal occur at every startup or only after it has sat for a while. If occurs after sitting make sure you check the water pump to make sure it is not leaking. You may not see any drips on the ground but a water pump that is just starting to leak may be only getting the alternator/water pump belt a little wet with coolant which will definitely make a belt squeal until it can get the coolant off.

 

I sympathize with you . I have a similar problem with my 1999 mazda protege . I noticed in other posts alot of people are having the same squeaky belt troubleswe're having . In the last 3 years I had my belt replaced about 4 Xs and the belt has been tightened about 5 or 6 Xs . I even took it to the mazda dealership to no avail . It's not just the squeaky belt that has me worried . One timethe belt kept squeaking and it broke . Since the 1 belt controls the fan / ac/ heater / altinator , the car overheated . I had to be towed . Here's what happens in my situation .Almost everyday after starting the car the 1st time the belt is squeaking while the car is warming up . When driving below 40mph the belt squeaks . When puttin on the heat / defroster or a/c the belt squeaks . But once i'm driving over 40mph it stops squeaking .
I can't believe with all the technology today no one can figure out what the problem is . I'm so frustrated constantly having to take the car to the repair shop for the same problem .
The car is in the shop right now and the mechanic tells me he thinks it's the altinator . Since no one knows for sure what the problem is I may pay for a new altinator and still have the same trouble . Does anyone here know what the problem is ?
I will never buy a madza again .