A/C making noise. - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

khail19 · 2010-06-08, 08:17 PM

So, since it has warmed up I need to throw this out there. When I start my car and turn the A/C on, there is a loud squealing noise that sounds like a belt slipping. The problem is very common after the car has been sitting overnight or while I'm at work. The noise continues under acceleration as well, at around 3K rpm. However, after I drive for around 5 minutes the noise stops and the A/C works normally.

I'm thinking the clutch on the compressor is locking up and causing the belt to slip, but as far as I know there is no fix other than replacing the part. Any other ideas?

Kevin M · 2010-06-08, 08:20 PM

That kinda sounds like a bad or slipping belt. You haven't charged your AC recently by chance have you?

khail19 · 2010-06-08, 08:28 PM

I did towards the end of last summer.

Kevin M · 2010-06-08, 08:34 PM

One time when I did that it overcharged the system. The AC compressor would lock up, and make the belt squeal momentarily. It also threw a misfire code. If it lasts more than a moment or so though, and the system still works fine, I'd just try a new belt first.

Dean · 2010-06-08, 08:44 PM

The clutch is either engaged or disengaged, it should never slip.

Sounds like slipping belt really. Check for cracks in the drive grooves and check the tension.

I have a spare very low mile compressor if you end up needing one.

khail19 · 2010-06-08, 08:49 PM

I'll check the belt again, maybe it's come loose from a few weeks ago.

Dean, if I do end up needing a compressor I'll definitely let you know.

khail19 · 2010-06-10, 08:00 PM

Checked the belt today on my lunch break, it doesn't look to be worn or cracked at all. I tightened the tensioner up a bit, so we'll see if that helps.

A1337STI · 2010-06-11, 12:10 PM

Mine was making similar noises , it was oddly the Pulley seizing up (pulley bearing) and it eventually seized and the belt some how chewed up the pulley itself. i had to source a replacement .

I think mine was a special case issues due to large amounts of dust/dirt exposure though ...

2010-06-08, 08:17 PM	#1
khail19 EJ205 Real Name: Khail Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,769 Car: 2016 VW GTI Meets? We have meets?	A/C making noise. So, since it has warmed up I need to throw this out there. When I start my car and turn the A/C on, there is a loud squealing noise that sounds like a belt slipping. The problem is very common after the car has been sitting overnight or while I'm at work. The noise continues under acceleration as well, at around 3K rpm. However, after I drive for around 5 minutes the noise stops and the A/C works normally. I'm thinking the clutch on the compressor is locking up and causing the belt to slip, but as far as I know there is no fix other than replacing the part. Any other ideas?

2010-06-08, 08:20 PM	#2
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	That kinda sounds like a bad or slipping belt. You haven't charged your AC recently by chance have you? __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2010-06-08, 08:34 PM	#4
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	One time when I did that it overcharged the system. The AC compressor would lock up, and make the belt squeal momentarily. It also threw a misfire code. If it lasts more than a moment or so though, and the system still works fine, I'd just try a new belt first. __________________ FWD is the new AWD Last edited by Kevin M; 2010-06-08 at 09:23 PM.

2010-06-08, 08:44 PM	#5
Dean Señor Cheap Bastarde Real Name: Dean Join Date: May 2003 Location: $99 Tire Store Posts: 9,294 Car: $.04 STI Class: Fast,Cheap & Reliable=STI Deal, did somebody say Deal? Oh, Dean, yeah that's me.	The clutch is either engaged or disengaged, it should never slip. Sounds like slipping belt really. Check for cracks in the drive grooves and check the tension. I have a spare very low mile compressor if you end up needing one. __________________ I am a Commodore PET --- Now get off my lawn you kids...

2010-06-11, 12:10 PM	#8
A1337STI EJ205 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,840 Car: Impreza and an Impreza Class: AS / CRS PerfStock "pedal on the right"	Mine was making similar noises , it was oddly the Pulley seizing up (pulley bearing) and it eventually seized and the belt some how chewed up the pulley itself. i had to source a replacement . I think mine was a special case issues due to large amounts of dust/dirt exposure though ... __________________ Fighting uphill battles, one bullet at a time!

2010-06-08, 08:28 PM	#3
khail19 EJ205 Real Name: Khail Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,769 Car: 2016 VW GTI Meets? We have meets?	I did towards the end of last summer.

2010-06-08, 08:49 PM	#6
khail19 EJ205 Real Name: Khail Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,769 Car: 2016 VW GTI Meets? We have meets?	I'll check the belt again, maybe it's come loose from a few weeks ago. Dean, if I do end up needing a compressor I'll definitely let you know.

2010-06-10, 08:00 PM	#7
khail19 EJ205 Real Name: Khail Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,769 Car: 2016 VW GTI Meets? We have meets?	Checked the belt today on my lunch break, it doesn't look to be worn or cracked at all. I tightened the tensioner up a bit, so we'll see if that helps.

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