Screeching noise periodically

[Mark Miller]

I just got my AC fixed in my 96. It needed a new compressor. Now, from time to time there is a screeching noise that lasts usually for several seconds. It sounds almost like I'm slamming on my brakes, only a bit higher pitched. I really don't want to have to take it into the shop again. Any idea what this could be?

 

[surfpig]

Check your belts.

 

[MDarius]

If it was my 80 it would be my copilot.

 

[Mark Miller]

If it was my 80 it would be my copilot.

What does that mean?

 

[trekker9]

I think it is an attempt at humor relating to his driving style.

 

[Mark Miller]

I think it is an attempt at humor relating to his driving style.

Still not getting it.

 

[80 Cruiser Rod]

If it is when you turn on the A/C it could be the clutch in the compressor. When do you hear the noise?

 

[Heckraiser]

Sounds like the belt is a little loose to me.

 

[Mark Miller]

If it is when you turn on the A/C it could be the clutch in the compressor. When do you hear the noise?

Just randomly from time to time. Recently I've had the A/C on all the time so I'm not sure if it doesn't happen with the AC off. It happens often when I turn the truck on as well.

 

[Heckraiser]

when you start the truck also points towards a loose or worn belt. Shop probably was just in a rush and didn't tension the belt properly. This just happened on my daughter's civic.

 

[MDarius]

Yeah, sorry. Humor. My passengers are screeching. Total waste of a post. Belts. probably.

 

[miked1]

Sounds like drive belts. Check their condition, if they look servicable just get underneath tighten the belt tensioner.

 

[musthave]

It's the belts. Common.

 

[ppc]

Cheap belts stretch within just a few minutes of running and need to be readjusted. Less likely to happen with OEM replacements.

 

[Dave 2000]

Also, assuming your belts are good/tight, if there is too much R134 oil in the AC circuit, then the compressor can occasionally lock. Obviously go for the cheap stuff first. Something else, unsure about your motor, but on the diesels the alternator belts are separate and as such need tensioning separately from the AC belt. The additional load of engaging the AC could be setting off the squeal from the alternator belts as well.

Do not assume as they are tight that they are OK. Often they are worn and running at the bottom of the 'V' pulley, hence less traction, also have to agree with OE belts, in particular the 'matched pair' for the alternator from Mr T.

regards

Dave

 

[d0nkeyxpunch]

Why don't you open the hood, look, then report back where you hear the noise from?

 

[Mark Miller]

Why don't you open the hood, look, then report back where you hear the noise from?

It only happens periodically.

It got fixed though. Y'all were right, it was just the belts. Thank you for your help.

 

[mtbmr2]

As a fellow Houstonian - I find that cooler mornings like we've had recently will get a chirp or three from my belts in the AM just due to the condensation build up if they're not brand new/retensioned appropriately with age.

 

[Dave 2000]

The morning 'chirp' is not condensation. The cooler mornings simply mean the battery is lower in output, the engine is harder to start, the load on the alternator is higher for the first few minutes after starting, thus the belts slip.

regards

Dave