My 2000 Miata (114k miles) has developed an intermittent squeal. I have yet to pinpoint it. I first heard it shortly after startup on a sub-zero morning. Unfortunately, it goes away before I can get out and open the hood to figure out where it's coming from.
At first, I thought it might be a loose power steering belt, but the belt is new and properly tensioned. The PS fluid level is normal and I've had no loss of steering assist. It doesn't seem to be the alternator either. That belt is also new and adjusted properly.
The noise goes away, but then occasionally comes back, usually after a long run when I slow down and let the revs drop below 2000 rpm. I suspect that it's either a failing water pump (no leaks, no overheating) or, more likely, a bad timing belt tensioner. The car appears to have been well maintained, but the seller (widow) that I bought it from had no records for a timing belt change and there was a lot of black dust around the belt when I changed the leaking valve cover gasket.
So, I guess that I'm due for a new timing belt. When I did my Subaru, I bought a Gates kit from Rock Auto. The only Miata kit that they sell that includes a water pump is by DNJ, and I've never heard of them before.
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3069171&cc=1363744
Has anybody used this kit before or should I just buy the parts individually? Any brands to seek out or avoid?
Naturally, I gave my Flyin' Miata crank seal tool to the guy who bought my last Miata. D'oh!
toconn
New Reader
2/11/15 10:48 p.m.
I don't have any experience with that kit, but I've been going good for 35k miles on a Gates belt kit + GMB waterpump, which seemed to be a popular choice in the miata community.
Also, while you're in there, it's a good idea to swap out the crank and cam seals if they're weeping. I'd suggest keeping those parts to oem Mazda.
I've used DNJ kits before with no issues.
If I'm not mistaken, DNJ made the OEM waterpump for the 1.6 Miatas. I used the DNJ kit on my miata and it worked well.
I liked the waterpump so well, that I bought a DNJ unit for my Focus.
I looked for a kit for my 4Runner and found an OEM Toyota set on Amazon.
I usually get mine through http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/categories/Miata-%7B47%7D-MX%252d5/
Have not had any complaints dealing with them. Prices are usually really good and its dealer parts.
AC only
http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/products/T%7B47%7DBELT%252dW%7B47%7DPUMP-KIT-94%252d00-AC-ONLY-%28PKMK007%29.html
No PS, No AC
http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/products/T%7B47%7DBELT%252dW%7B47%7DPUMP-KIT-94%252d00-NO-PS-NO-AC-%28PKMK0012%29.html
PS, no AC
http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/products/T%7B47%7DBELT%252dW%7B47%7DPUMP-KIT-94%252d00-PS-ONLY-%28PKMK004%29.html
With PS and AC
http://parts.arlingtonmazda.com/products/T%7B47%7DBELT%252dW%7B47%7DPUMP-KIT-94%252d00-PS%7B47%7DAC-%28PKMK001%29.html
yowza! that rockauto kit is CHEAP
I decided to take a chance and ordered the DNJ kit. I wasn't able to confirm that it includes the crank and cam seals, but it's cheap enough that I can justify a run to the dealership if it doesn't. I took the savings and ordered the complete tool kit from Flyin' Miata. Sure, it's not completely necessary, but it will make the job a lot easier and later I can use it as an excuse to buy more Miatas.
http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=5681&parentid=0&stocknumber=35-69000%20%20BIG%20NOSE