justins911

My car was squealing terribly last year when my AC compressor came on so my mechanic removed the AC compressor belt and the noise was gone (but so was the AC). I am about to do my timing belt and the kit I bought from Blauparts comes with all new belts and belt tensioners (including the AC belt and tensioner).

Prior to my AC belt being removed, it was replaced with a new belt and that didn't stop the noise so I have ruled out the belt. I am thinking it is either a bad belt tensioner, or a bad compressor. My car is a 2000 with 215,000 km's on it to give you an idea of age of compressor.

If anyone has gone through this before, was it your AC compressor or was it your belt tensioner? Is there a way, once I have the front end opened up for the timing belt job, to test the compressor to see if it's the culprit?

Any other advice on this subject would be kindly welcomed.

Thanks in advance!

Huskerbob

What engine?

Yes you can simply replace the AC belt and tensioner with the new stuff and see if it still squeaks. You need only go to service position to do this so it will be fairly easy to do. No need to drain the radiator. If it still squeaks it's the AC compressor. If no squeak you can proceed with your timing belt change etc.

justins911

I think the pump is gone. without the belt on, I spun the wheel at the end of the pump and it is squeaking. I can just imagine how that sound is modified at high speed.

Huskerbob

Well there you go. New AC compressor. Search diligently.

twentysevenlitres

I was about to say that a new belt tensioner is around $75 and a new compressor is several hundred plus a regas, so I know which I'd try first!

However, based on the new info, you could try getting an aircon joint to ensure the system is properly charged with a correct oil quantity (probably requiring a regas to measure the weight correctly)
Low gas can make compressors squeak.

4Driver4

I'd replace the compressor clutch. Should be able to cure the squeal without breaking down the AC.