Hey guys, am hoping someone could help me figure out a problem. It seems that every time I turn my A/c on something starts to squeal...I've looke dinto and I think it is the idle pully but was wondering if anyone else has any suggestions. Rather fix it myself than pay the dealership.

Thanks ahead of time

 

and when I turn the a/c off the squealing stops.

 

sounds like your a/c clutch, does the a/c get cold when you turn it on?

 

yes the a/c works great...have no problems getting nice and cool in the recent 100 F heat wave here

 

try spraying a little wd40 behind the idler pulley at the bottom and see what thay does...

 

Sounds like it could be that the belt doesn't have enough tension.

 

thanks guys...I tried the wd40 but no go and I tightened the idle pulley but still squeals...beginning to think I need to replace the pulley itself...any other ideas?

 

loosen the pulley and take the belt off, roll it and see if it binds .

 

I had the idler pulley on my 91 just freeze up after squealing like that for a little while. The bearings are probably shot, but it's not that hard or expensive to replace.

 

if it doesn't squeal when the a/c is off, everything else must be working fine, idler and all, since the compressor clutch freewheels.

squealing with the a/c on... hmmm... and adjusting the belt doesn't help...
I'd say the compressor shaft isn't turning freely, or has completely siezed up, or the compressor clutch is bad, or the belt is glazed and is slipping no matter how much tension is on it.


*edit- if the alternator is on a separate belt than the a/c, check that the alternator belt is tight too since turning on the a/c will draw more power from the alternator.