[chemiami1]

To any mechanically minded Protege5 owners or owners who have had similar problems.

I have a Mazda Protege5 2002 (U.S. model). I recently have had to change the crankshaft seal because I had a major oil leak. Before I did so, however, the motor started to make a squealing or whining noise. The noise seems to be coming from the crankshaft since it strengthens when you press the accelerator.

The noise is present when the engine is started not when the car moves. Also I started the car before connecting the water pump and alternator belts so that the only thing that moved was the camshaft and the crankshaft. Neither of these things seem to have a problem though.

I had considered that I may have bruned out a bearing but there are no bearing in that part of the motor. The only bearing I found is in the drive shaft which was not moving when I tried it.

Am I missing something? What could this be?

Thanks!

Gonzalo