Screeching AC Belt

[XL7Limited]

I changed out my original belts and found the same issue with the alternator. I had to retighten it REALLY tight twice now.

[Augy]

My alternator belt shredded so I replaced both. I'm getting the squealing a/c as well. I've tighted it as much as I can and it looks like I don't have any more travel in the tensioner to make it tighter...and it still squeals. I bought the cheap belt and am wondering if I should have bought the more expensive one. Anyone think a more expensive belt will make a difference?

[Max]

Anyone think a more expensive belt will make a difference?

Yep!

The one you got is either the wrong size or it STRETCHED. You shouldn't be at the adjustment stops by a long shot.

[murcod]

I replaced both my belts around four months ago with Bosch belts and haven't had a problem. The only thing I did have to do was retension the alternator one day later because I hadn't done it tight enough the first time.

[Augy]

I picked up a Goodyear Gator belt yesterday and it still squeals. Is it possible I'm getting too much tension on the belt? Seems unlikely but I can't believe I can't get it tight enough. It's not the easiest place to work but I managed to get a long cheater bar on the tensioner and can get plenty of torque on the tensioner. I have to have my wife hold it though while I go under the car to tighten the bolts. I've replaced a lot of belts in my 40+ years and I've never had one this problematic. I'll try again today but it is such a PITA to get my hands in there I'm not looking forward to it

[Max]

I can only assume that the belt is not tight enough UNLESS you've got A/C compressor issues such as a worn out / partially siezed compressor, requiring more than normal start-up torque / turning needs. Is the compressor noisey as in loud clattering? Try turning the compressor (not the outer clutch, but the inner flange) when you get in there again. Is it difficult to turn? You should only feel moderate resistance.

Any oil leaking on the the belt causing slippage?

Also, you DO know that the tensioner has a hex key slot in the middle to facilitate tightening, right? It makes it a little easier. See my 1st post / link.

[Augy]

Originally Posted by Max

I can only assume that the belt is not tight enough UNLESS you've got A/C compressor issues such as a worn out / partially siezed compressor, requiring more than normal start-up torque / turning needs. Is the compressor noisey as in loud clattering? Try turning the compressor (not the outer clutch, but the inner flange) when you get in there again. Is it difficult to turn? You should only feel moderate resistance.

Any oil leaking on the the belt causing slippage?

Also, you DO know that the tensioner has a hex key slot in the middle to facilitate tightening, right? It makes it a little easier. See my 1st post / link.

Thanks for the help. I am using the hex key slot and a cheater bar to set the tensioner. I really think I'm getting it as tight as it will go...it just looks like there is no more travel in the slot. The compressor isn't noisy but I forgot to test it for resistance to turning. The only reason I even changed the belt was because the alternator belt shredded and I figured I should just replace them both. Before that, the a/c never made a peep. Unfortunately, I tossed the old belt thinking I had this squealing licked. It would be nice to compare them.

This last time I soaked the belt in belt dressing then tightened as much as I could. That seemed to quiet it but if I turn the a/c on max it starts squealing. At least I can drive it now and use the a/c on low. I'm starting to wonder about that compressor. I'm so frustrated with it right now I'll just drive it a few days and see what happens.

[Max]

Could you possibly be hearing an alternator belt squeal? You mentioned that the noise is when the A/C is on HIGH. The fan adds a significant ampere load to the electrical system which could "squeal" the alt belt. Pull the headlights on too. More pronounced squeal?

[Augy]

Originally Posted by Max

Could you possibly be hearing an alternator belt squeal? You mentioned that the noise is when the A/C is on HIGH. The fan adds a significant ampere load to the electrical system which could "squeal" the alt belt. Pull the headlights on too. More pronounced squeal?

If you lived anywhere near me I'd buy you a beer! It appears it was my alternator belt after all. I wouldn't have thought so because originally I only heard the squeal start the same time the a/c compressor clutch kicked in.
After reading your last post I went out and checked the tension on the alt belt...it seemed a bit loose. I got it nice and tight and the squeal is gone. May have had 2 problems but didn't realize it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Max]

Cool Augy!

Glad to help.