HELLO!

I have a 2002 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 (Base Model) with manual transmission and 110,000 miles and I'm new to this forum and am excited to dig in and see what information I can find about my vehicle as well as possibilities for future vehicles! I'm not a mechanic, but I've worked (while in college) at two different major parts stores so I have a tad bit more knowledge than a "newbie" but I'm no expert by ANY means.

I've been dealing with this issue and brought it up to many different people including two mechanics and various enthusiaists and I haven't gotten any answers and this issue is only getting worse: MY PROBLEM: For about 16 months my 2002 Sonata 2.4 has been making an awful squeal that is coming from the belts system somewhere but it's honestly so loud I can say for sure where the EXACT location is. About 7 months ago, the alternator belt eventually broke and I had it repaired - as I drove off the mechanics lot it broke again! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/angry.gif) He fixed it again and there was no snapping after that BUT the squeal was still there. I even asked the guy "Can you do something about the squealing and check to see if there's a tension problem or idler or something?", obviously I don't know enough and the belt system is not what I would call "accessible." He said "It didn't make a sound for me." which is amazing since you cant idle in the vehicle without it. Then, about 5 months ago we had to have the frame replaced due to a manufacturer defect - and Hyundai (even after 100K) replaced it for free. It was during this repair that my steering pump also needed replaced and I again asked them to see if that was what the squeal was coming from or if they could fix/determine why it was doing it but AGAIN, basically there was no help about it. (Mind you, my mother owns the car technically - so that's why there is a lack of communication in some parts of the back story.) I don't know why they don't want to bother with it or if it's just been mixed signals but even when I ask a number of "do it yourselfers" they really don't know - they say it's probably an old belt or loose.

OKAY, So to make a long story short - this is what I've tried/is new OR things I know to be possible issues:

-- The alternator belt is only 7 months old, does not seem to be shiny or showing the "textbook" signs of wear.
-- I've checked the deflection of the alternator belt and as best I could the "other belt" and they both seem up to specs from using a ruler/non-mechanic check I did but if it needs to be more technical that could be something I need to check more carefully.
*- When the car is started from cold, the squealing start immediatley and only stops when I'm in 4th or 5th gear - it used to stop (80%) after it warmed up a bit but now as soon as I downshift and slow down it's 100% squealing.
**- The squealing STOPS ALMOST 100% OF THE TIME WHEN I TURN OFF THE HEADLIGHTS!? Now, this is where I just don't have enough car knowledge to make the connection as to "why" BUT I did check my battery on a stores testing machine and it's good BUT I noticed it's not rated for my vehicle from what I saw in a manual at the repair store? The one installed is only 540 CCA and I "think" it said I needed like 750!? (but cant remember for sure)
SO my question is - could the lack of battery/undersized battery be causing this problem? Also there are times where it has seemed the windows roll down slower than they should, lights are slightly dimmer than used to be, etc - but nothing that is blatantly obvious.

Okay - I hope I'm not embarrassing myself here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) and I know you guys have better stuff to do but PLEASE if you can just help a dumb guy who loves his Sonata I would be extremely grateful! If you need any more input (I'm sure I left out some details that you may need) please ask and I'll get back to you ASAP!
Thanks a million!

- Matt

This post has been edited by OneEightBecomesTwoZeros: Nov 12 2009, 02:26 PM

The prior owner of my Sonata (a good friend and co worker) had this same issue with the Sonata. The belts would squeal, even when I put new ones in. Then the A/C went from a faulty condenser and the owner was then given a newer car from her mother in law. Well, the alternator was actually the cause of the noise. It was going bad. Then when I picked it up, the alternator had completely failed... fun... I replaced it, replaced both belts, and now no more squeals! Hope this helps