Screeching AC Belt

pukas · 06-14-2009, 11:14 PM

I have a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara. I just changed out my AC belt. The belt is on there pretty tight. It would run good today, and tomorrow it would start screeching when I turn on the AC. I applied some dishwashing soap, noise went away, but next day screeching came back. Do you folks have any idea how to fix this. Do I need to make the belt tighter? It did not make the noise before the belt change. Need to fix ASAP, it's about 90 degrees here is Hawaii. Thanks.

osx_mr.p · 06-15-2009, 02:17 AM

You may have to add more tension on the belt that you replace. That belt runs the power steering pump as well, so you have twice the load and twice the noise screeching. There has to be very little deflection on between the p/s and the a/c pullies. Otherwise the belt is slipping and have off and on power steering assist and cold air.

pukas · 06-15-2009, 03:44 AM

So are there any negative effects if you make the belt too tight?

Max · 06-15-2009, 06:54 AM

Yep. She's just a little loose.

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/1g-2001...1-ac-belt.html

New belts stretch right out of the gate too!

As far as "too tight"? Yes you can, and take a toll on compressor and pwr steering pump BEARINGS, but in my three years of forum participation / viewing, I have never seen a single bearing failure issue come up. They must be designed as pretty stout components.

Soaping the belt is a good trick for quieting a noisy belt, but may have added to the slipping issue as well. Belt dressing, when applied, will keep them from slipping, but then often add a NOISE issue. At least in the one instance I tried some on another vehicle.

tmcalavy · 06-15-2009, 08:02 AM

Mine did that and didn't cool well after I changed all my belts. Took it to the local shop/mechanic and he tightened it up for me. No probs since then, and much cooler in the cabin.

x_sgs_x · 06-15-2009, 12:25 PM

Yea mine did that , i tightened it but its kinda tight. Did anybody else have to remove there top radiator hose to tighten theres.

Max · 06-15-2009, 12:32 PM

You can get in there (w/right tools) and leave the hose in place, but it's still a tough evolution.

pukas · 06-15-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x_sgs_x

Yea mine did that , i tightened it but its kinda tight. Did anybody else have to remove there top radiator hose to tighten theres.

I was able to change out the belt by moving the PS reservoir, but yes it was a very tight fit. I was thinking about removing the top radiator hose too, but I did not have any coolant on hand. But it would give you a little bit more room to work. I will try and tighten up the belt and see if that helps, but I must say it's pretty tight all ready.

Max · 06-15-2009, 02:48 PM

You won't need much! It's a fine line btwn squeal and no squeal.

x_sgs_x · 06-15-2009, 06:32 PM

It just made it alot easier for me i was using a 10mm allen and 3/8" drive ratchet i forgot what size the socket was i thing 12mm maybe but anyway working on these things is harder than it should be. On a side not taking the dash apart is pretty easy lol.