A loud squeal is produced when the A/C is turned on. This symptom is usually caused by a loose or worn air conditioning compressor belt. When the A/C is activated the compressor is engaged. If the belt is loose or worn the belt can slip on the compressor pulley and emit a loud squeal.
How do I stop my car AC from squealing?
Remove the AC belt and remove the compressor clutch. Once disconnected, pull it out. Rotating the compressor pulley: Try rotating the compressor pulley. If it doesn't rotate, then the issue is the compressor pulley. If it rotates and makes squealing or knocking sounds, the bearing could be the issue.
Why is my air conditioner squealing?
If your air conditioning unit is emitting a high-pitched screeching or hissing sound, the most likely cause is high pressure built up in your compressor. If this is the case, the sound will most likely be heard outside at the unit when the AC first kicks on and will last about 10-15 seconds.
Can I put WD-40 on a squeaky belt?
Spray just enough WD-40 onto the belt to lightly cover the area where the squeal occurs. Short, sharp blasts work best to ensure the belt is not saturated. Oversaturating the belt will result in severe slipping, which can permanently damage the belt.
What is the screeching noise when I start my car?
Most often, the belt screeching occurs at cold start: when the car is started after being parked for at least four or five hours. Start the car while it is cold and turn the AC off and on. If that causes a change in the squealing sound, then the culprit is the belt that drives the alternator.
How many years does a serpentine belt last?
Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
How do I know if I need to replace my serpentine belt?
It is a good idea to physically inspect your serpentine belt from time to time. Check for cracks, chunks missing, abrasions, rib separation, uneven rib wear, and damaged ribs. If you notice any of these, it is time to replace your serpentine/drive belt.
What 6 or more things should you check when replacing a serpentine belt?
Signs You May Need A New Serpentine Belt
Is a timing belt the same as a serpentine belt?
Timing Belt. Don't get confused—a serpentine belt is not the same thing as a timing belt. The serpentine belt and timing belt have very different functions in your vehicle. The timing belt is located inside the engine and keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync.
Does the serpentine belt affect timing?
Serpentine belts have replaced the several fan belts that were common in older cars. A serpentine belt may power the air conditioning, alternator and power steering pump on your car. A slipping timing belt will affect the engine timing, resulting in the valves opening at the wrong time. …
Can you drive without a serpentine belt?
Under no circumstances can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. Without the serpentine belt, the power steering pump, which provides hydraulic pressure, no longer functions.
Do cars have both timing and serpentine belts?
Many engines have a timing chain instead of a belt. Once a timing belt breaks, the engine shuts off and you won't be able to restart it. With many cars, you might be able to restart the engine after a serpentine belt breaks, but you won't get far if it drives the alternator.
What are the signs of a bad timing belt?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Belt
What does a bad timing belt sound like?
A failing bad timing belt sounds like a ticking noise in front of your car when it starts wearing out. If the belt eventually breaks, it will give a whining noise when trying to start the engine. A whining noise sounds like no compression in the engine.
