Belts can definitely make a high pitched noise for a # of reasons. One reason being if they got covered in antifreeze..... Other reasons they could squeal would be incorrect tension or a siezed pulley/accessory such as an AC compressor.I completed my first round of baseline and necessary repair work on my 97 LX. Please bear with me as this is the largest DIY audio mechanical work I’ve ever done.
Shiny new things:
—Radiator
— Large and small rad hoses
— Thermostat
— Belts
—Oil pump gasket
I buttoned everything back up, fired up the LX and the engine sounded great, high RPMs for the first couple minutes and then everything settled down below 1K at idle. Good coolant level and Scangauge temp is about 8 degreees cooler now that I have a Mr T thermostat in there (something made in the USA was in before.) Heat is blowing hot in the cabin.
There is, however, a high pitched noise, and I can’t decipher where it’s coming from. If the belts are too tight will they make a high pitched noise? I read some threads about AC pulley bearing issues causing some high pitched noises. So my first step tomorrow will be removing the AC belt and seeing what I come back with after that test.
If the squeal was not there before all the work you just did than I kind of doubt it is a siezed AC compressor, pulley, or bearing of any kind. My guess is you spilled anti freeze on the belts and or they are incorrectly tensioned.
Good luck