Interstate driving and hearing a squeal

UPMM019

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
230,000 MILES

I drove my SUV yesterday for about an hour on the interstate and intermittently I heard a squeal. I assume it is the serpentine belt. However, not sure what would cause this.

Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 AT 8:13 AM

7 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Check belt and tensioner, recommended replacement is 60,000 miles. If you used WD40 or any oil on it the belt is completely shot a tool has to be used to measure if worn or not. If still squeaks remove belt start engine see if still there.

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Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 AT 12:14 PM

UPMM019

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216 POSTS

I failed to mention that my A/C has been acting up since I got it sometimes it work sometimes not. During the summer when it would kick in I would hear this squeal. I never got around to having it looked at it. Could what I hear now in the winter be the same?

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Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 AT 12:17 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

If you have defrost or demist on yes as compressor works until it is below 32 then it does not. It may be the clutch is bad or compressor or both.

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Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 AT 1:29 PM

UPMM019

MEMBER
216 POSTS

So let me ask this, if it cools during the summer I.E. After the squeal is that safe to assume the compressor works and its more likely a clutch issue?

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Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 AT 1:38 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Well I do not want to get to technical but yes the clutch may be to close or to far out of adjustment. But in a lot of these cars the clutch is not available separate you have to buy both.