I have a serious problem. I'm temporarily out of the country, so, I let my bud drive my 2gen Probe. My Probe has been squealing (belts), for a while. But while driving, the alternator/waterpump belt broke. No biggie, it was the stock one (60,000mi), he just replaced it. A few hours later, it breaks again! WTF? So, the mechanic feed him some BS, saying that that belt was to tight, and suggest he let the mechanic put the belt on, for a price of course. After 2 hours, he cranks the engine, it starts sqealing loud, and when the heater is on, it sqeals even louder! And there was a light hue of burning rubber in the air (belt). The mechanic just suggested belt dressing, and it should be fine. "?shrug?" Not trusting this guy, my friend attempts to drive the car to another shop, about 30mins away. 25 minutes into the ride, it snaps again! He manages to coast it into the parking lot of the shop. They have a look at it, and says that either my alternator or water pump is bad, or that the pulley is mis-aligned. (?) Should I believe this guy, and let him charge me an arm and leg to replace something, if he isn't sure what it is? Has anyone had this problem. Any suggestions? I'm pretty much SOL right now. ~ Torrienta www.geocities.com/Motorcity

I thought the timing belt drove the water pump aterpump?

If I'm not mistaken, the timing belt runs the cams. There is a belt that runs from the crank to the alternator/water pump. The other belt runs from the crank to the powersteering/ac. patty

I know it runs the Cam's, but I thought it also runs the water pump. Then on the outside of the engine block you have the belts that run the A/C, Alternator, and power steering.

Maybe on the 2.5L, which I haven't a clue. But on the 2.0L, the pump is ran on the same belt as the altenator. My bud spent over an hour under the car starring at it. Also, both pulleys turn freely, so, I don't know how one can be seizing. (?) patty

Hey man, I think I can help you. Mine statred squeling and after studying it for a while I found out what it was. A bolt on the timing cover backed out and the belt was scrubbing on the cover. Try looking down at it and see if it is touching or if there is a wear mark in the belt where it has been scrubbing. Also the cover could be slighty warped. Hope this helps Michael 94 PSE

Torrieta, I would start by verifying all the accessories turn freely and are not siezed up. If any were siezed your problem is obvious. If not, then you are probably looking at a misalignment problem, or perhaps and interference problem as someone suggested, might be prematurely tearing up the belt, but I would lean more toward the alignment, because of the squealing. Enjoy, Bryan >