I'm hearing a minor screeching noise in my 2007 Eclipse, could it be the timing belt??
5 Answers
The timing belt has "teeth" molded into it. Virtually impossible to slip. If it did you would have major engine timing issues. What you are probably hearing is the serpentine belt that drives the water pump, alternator, etc.. Check the serpentine belt for wear, cracks, frays. It's most likely the culprit.
Or the tensioner pully on the serpentine belt system
I was hoping it wasn't the serpentine belt, lol. It'll be fun changing it. Thank you, both! I'll take a look at it later today.
Take the serpentine belt off and start the car, if noise is gone then figure out if the tensioner, idler (if equipped) or bearing is bad. Do not run the car very long with the belt removed. If noise is still present then it could be a timing belt component or the water pump. Most likely it has to do with the serpentine belt.
Also some serpentine belt routings are somewhat complicated so make a drawing of where the belt goes before you take it off. Don't ask me how I know that!