Noise #1: A terrible, high-pitched initial SQUEAK on startup. Only happens on cold starts. Just had a new alty belt installed a couple months ago. Almost sounds like a bearing squeak rather than a belt squeak, as it has a metal-on-metal sound to it. EXTREMELY LOUD AND EMBARRASSING - whole parking lot turns to look where it came from. Sound clip coming soon.

Noise #2: Drivetrain creaking. Transmission related. Sounds like it's coming from just beyond the center console. Too ambient to catch on sound recording (I tried). The best description I can think of is to imagine an old rusty spring on a screen door stretching. Very noticeable when switching from R to D and happens pretty much all of the time, except during acceleration (happens when applying and letting off throttle). Even happens faintly when coasting. All motor mounts are fine.

Any ideas? Thanks

 

does it sound like this

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FGWQgA86oHE

 

the sound on startup is 90% the alternator
The most load on the alty is on initial startup, that's when it'll squeal. pull the belt and see if the pulley is free, or if it has some hesitation. It could be another pulley/something else, but I doubt it.

 

Ok i had the exact same problem with my 91 SE-R I am 97% positive it is not the bearing(I have a lot of michanic buddys and they even asked around at work and they said that they have never heard of a bearing going out in an alternator. Have you even cheaked the tensioner for the cerpintine belt? it is most positively that. just cause it was replaced doesnt mean it wont loosen.

 

nope.

I figured. My alternator problems never end. I'll check the belts tonight and hopefully it's just slightly loose and it slips for a second before grabbing, making the noise.

Any ideas on the creaking?

 

good luck finding the serpentine belt. And bearings do go bad so take another puff with your buddies.
Check the tension, but if you do pull it off make sure to check for axial play (in and out on the shaft) as well.
I dunno about that creak though not familiar with auto max's, sorry mon.

 

Well I just checked the tension...seemed pretty loose. I could wiggle it back and forth about 1.5 centimeters with my index finger. Tightened it up for now, hoping for no squeak in the morning!