Eurovan AC

KUHNY64

MEMBER
2002 VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN
6 CYL
79,000 MILES

I have a 2002. The AC compressor went out so I had it replaced. Now, the car squeaks terribly. I balmed the mecahnic. He says the car needs a new belt and tensioner. Since my compressor was out, the new one is putting pressure on the tensioner and making the noise. I didn't hear it before because there was no tension on the pulley. Should I blame the mechanic or does he have a point?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

He has a very good point. Now that the compressor is working, it puts a lot of stress on the belt so it is much more likely to slip now.

When you hear the squeal, dribble a little water on the smooth back side of the belt while the engine is running. If the noise changes, the belt is slipping, but you should also check to see if every pulley is in alignment. If one is peeking out to the side even 1/8", that will make the belt slide sideways across that pulley as it goes around it, and that will cause a squeal. Tensioner pulleys often do that when their pivot bolt becomes worn. That pivot can also become rusty and prevent the spring-loaded tensioner from putting enough pressure on the belt.