Squeak under hood

2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
182,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
PLUXO
  • MEMBER
  • 71 POSTS
My AC went out a while back in the summer. In the morning when I start my car it squeaks loud for probably a minute. I never charged my AC so I want to make sure that I am not ruining something or maybe this could be something else. Maybe I just need to charge it. Could this cause squeaking?
Oct 19, 2018 at 2:22 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

When you first start the car in the morning, the alternator has its heaviest load. If the belt is loose or in need of replacement, that can cause a squealing noise. Here is a link that discusses noises from a belt issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/chirping-noise

I want you to try a little test. Since the noise lasts for about a minute, you will need to move fast or have a helper. All I want you to do is pour a small amount of water on the alternator belt when it is making the noise. If the sound changes, either the belt needs replaced or adjusted. Protect your eyes and clothing when doing this because water will most likely fling off the belt and pulleys.

If you determine that this is the problem (and I suspect it is), here are the directions specific to your vehicle for adjusting the alternator belt. All attached pictures correlate with these directions.

____________________________________

Adjusting The Alternator Belt

Caution: If the belt is too loose, it will cause noise or sudden wear. If the belt is too tight, the engine coolant pump bearing or the alternator can be damaged.
1. Loosen the alternator nut "A" and the tension adjuster lock bolt "B".
2. Using the tension adjuster bolt, adjust the belt tension to the specification.
3. Tighten the adjuster lock bolt "B".
4. Tighten the alternator nut "A".
5. Check the tension or the deflection of belt, and read just if necessary.
Tightening torque
Alternator nut A: 35 - 55 Nm (350 - 550 kg.cm, 25 - 40 ft. lbs.)
Adjuster lock bolt B: 20 - 25 Nm (200 - 250 kg.cm, 14 - 18 ft. lbs.)

___________________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. Also, I honestly do not feel this has anything to do with the AC.

Take care,
Joe
Oct 19, 2018 at 8:51 PM
Avatar
PLUXO
  • MEMBER
  • 71 POSTS
I just had everything replaced. Belts, pulleys and all.
Oct 20, 2018 at 7:06 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Welcome back:

Regardless, belts stretch and sometimes need readjusted. Did you try the water trick?
Oct 20, 2018 at 7:50 PM