Have a generic A/C problem

[Blue150]

Just so I’m not posting in the wrong place, I won’t tell you what the make and model of the car in question is but I will say it’s not a Ford product. I wouldn’t post it here but I need a good answer and you guys are smart. So… here goes. I have a car that has air conditioning in it. As long as the air is off there is no belt squeal. Turn the air on and it squeals like a politician; loud. The belt looks new (no cracks, very flexible and bright yellow and white writing on it. A light application of belt dressing or soap does not affect the noise by very much, if at all. Does that mean it’s the A/C compressor that is going bad? It blows cold and after awhile the squealing stops; but it takes about 5 minutes. I tried to ask over at the Mazda forums but those people are stupid. They don’t even know what kind of transmission fluid to use or how much oil to put in their own cars. Someone told me it has probably been sitting for awhile and needs to be run for awhile. I really don’t want to snap the belt but the compressor is $500.00 to replace it; and that is me doing the wrench work. What do you think?

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[fyrewalker]

Having tried the belt dressing or soap without remedy I would first ensure that the belt is tightened to the correct specs. A squeal is almost always belt related, most often a warn or cracked belt first, a loose belt second. Put tension on it will it is squealing and see if the noise disappears.

[Blue150]

Originally Posted by fyrewalker

Having tried the belt dressing or soap without remedy I would first ensure that the belt is tightened to the correct specs. A squeal is almost always belt related, most often a warn or cracked belt first, a loose belt second. Put tension on it will it is squealing and see if the noise disappears.

Will do. I am picking up a new belt on the way home. It's only $16.00 and I would like to make sure it's got the right one on it. I will post results. Thanks.