Squealing noise when A/C is turned on

[Aftrbrnr]

I get a really, annoying loud squealing noise when I turn my A/C on. It's loud enough that people on the street start looking at me. The moment I switch the HVAC knob to anything but A/C, it stops right away.

A little background, I switched back to my stock alt. pulley after using an under drive for a few years. I think it might have something to do with the belt and pullies, but I'm not sure.

 

[white99gt]

Sounds like the belt is stretched and the tensioner is maxed not allowing enough tension on the belt.

I have the same issue on my 90 .

 

[tb9050lx]

I get a really, annoying loud squealing noise when I turn my A/C on. It's loud enough that people on the street start looking at me. The moment I switch the HVAC knob to anything but A/C, it stops right away.

A little background, I switched back to my stock alt. pulley after using an under drive for a few years. I think it might have something to do with the belt and pullies, but I'm not sure.

sounds like your ac compressor went bad,most likley the clutch is seized .

 

[1991vert]

ya, it sounds like the clutch. if it was all the time, i would guess the belt, but seeing as though it's only when the A/C is turned on, clutch is my first suspect

 

[RacEoHolic330]

Definitely a clutch. If it was the belt, it would more than likely squeal when you start the car up too.

 

[jrichker]

Does the A/C cool good? If it doesn't, then the clutch or compressor is suspect.

Get a helper to start the car with the A/C off. Then run the engine at about 1200 RPM while you watch the belts and A/C clutch. Turn the A/C on and watch to see if the belt slips or the center hub of the A/C sudders and doesn't want to turn.

 

[BigHairyMonkey]

Definitely a clutch. If it was the belt, it would more than likely squeal when you start the car up too.

x3 clutch. i had mine go out on my old altima and its one of the most annoying automotive sounds.

 

[glowstang93]

Check to see if the rubber bushing is sliding out of the ac clutch too. If it is the clutch, its not easy easy, but its not hard to replace.

 

[Flavadave4]

Siezed and dragging the belt over a stopped pulley sould sound like that i would imagine!

 

[Aftrbrnr]

Actually, right after the pulley was changed it squealed no matter what setting the HVAC was on. After a few days of driving, it went away. I only noticed the A/C squeal now because the weather is getting warm enough to warrant its use, but I'll still look into the clutch thing.

I should also note it's an on-and-off thing even with the A/C on (meaning it'll squeal for a bit, stop, cycle repeats).

 

[smr]

if cluthc on ac compressor is working and your are stillg etting squeel then your belt/tensioner need to be looked at. You may want to invest in a new belt...