97 eclipse sypder 2.4L non turbo (best car in the world in my opinion btw!)

For the longest time, the car would start with a squeal but would stop a minute or two after the car was warmed up or the ac was turned on. Day before yesterday, the squeal stayed about 70 percent of the time, regardless of speed, turning, a/c etc.

Yesterday, just like that the power steering went out and the dash lights for the battery AND brake came on.

I've read through the various threads here but still confused about how to diagnose the problem...fluids all fine btw.

I don't have access to a haynes or chilton's so here is a picture (always worth a thousand words right?).



I am very confused about what belts connect to what!!! I assume 'A' is the power steering pump and 'B' is the alternator. I would assume there should be a belt connecting 'B' and 'C' but I don't know why that would affect the power steering (since that belt looks okay) or why that would cause the brake light on the dash to come on.

Any help to make me understand this 'rube goldberg' contraption and diagnose the problem would be greatly appreciated!

thanks much ggaarry

I'm not familiar with the 2.4, but it looks and sounds like your missing a belt. I would also recommend that you invest in a service manual.

Your other acc belt looks pretty beat on the edges. May want to replace that too.....

thanks for the replies so far.

I've been studying diagrams and have figured out that there needs to be a belt between 'c' the water pump pulley and 'b' the alternator.

Puzzled by several things still tho: (1) Does the alternator belt drive the power steering pump pulley, too?; (2) when i look for replacement belts at autozone, why do i get several options of sizes? and (3) where the heck is the belt located for the ac compressor/idler that keeps coming up in those searches?

thanks much

Because it's too cold to go out to my car right now, i'll check my haynes repair manual tomorrow and see what turns up.


I've got turbo goodies to hunt down and buy so not tonight.

Well, I finally figured out this pile of spaghetti that is called accessory belts! For most mechanics, it's probably pretty straightforward, but what went to where was pretty challenging for me. Even chilton's wasn't a big help because so often their instructions and diagrams are generic, especially for a less popular engine like this.

Anyway, some hints/tips for those that may follow in my footsteps: The power steering pump tension is released by 4 bolts -- two of which are BEHIND the pulley. As for the tension on the alternator belt, it makes it much easier if you get at the third bolt from under the car. I think all bolts are 12mm.

Hardest part is trying to get as close to the belt tension specs as possible using the 'deflection' method. I finally just 'guesstimated'.

thanks again