414WRX

I guess maybe I was checking tension in the wrong spot. OK, Im gonna apologize in advance for not just knowing the proper names for all the pulleys. Anyway, initially I checked the vertical part of the belt running from the tensioner up to the big pulley, here I got about 1/4" deflection, but after looking up some images on google it seems that tension should be checked on the more horizontal part of the belt running between the 2 big pulleys. The span between the pulleys is longer here, and I get closer to 1/2". As for shine or cracks on the belt, I cant find any.

Belts and pulley all look to be in good condition, not sure how much tension the belt should be under but it seems fine. It is tight but has some give when you push on it. Looks like I will be taking it apart and checking that it isnt cocked at all, cleaning it up and hoping for the best. This seems like a nice easy project for my first endeavor into car maintenance! Any suggestions on cleaners or lubricants? Thanks for the help!

Havent checked the belts and didnt even think about with or without AC. Took it out with AC off and no squeal at all. Does that mean there is a bad belt that needs replacing?

I just bought a 2002 Impreza WRX wagon, manual transmision, today after sitting in the drive all day it is making this squealing sound. It is the worst right when you start up and are taking off in 1st, after that it seems to come and go at varying volumes. Coming to a complete stop and taking off again does not seem to make it act up again but it can be heard through all different RPMs and in all gears up through 4th, (driving it in the city, didnt get up to 5th gear speeds, not sure if sound will continue). It does not seem to be specifically when releasing the clutch accelerating or turning, its just kinda always there. I am mechanically inclined but I have never worked on cars before. I would guess, start by checking all the fluid levels, but after that I am at a loss.

Not sure what I have in my possession, there are a bunch of papers to go through, but it is a one owner car and it was an older woman. Carfax showed LOTS of regular scheduled maintenance, hopefully it will just be a matter of determining where it was left off.

Hey all, just bought my first Subaru! Its a 2002 Impreza WRX wagon, bought with 76000 miles on it. This is my first car with a turbo and my first used car in quite a few years, but I am hoping to be able to take care of much more maintenance than when I was younger.