Squealing at start up w/AC turned on... thoughts?

Question

Our 2000 Durnago started making a terrible squealing noise whenever the truck is initially started up and the A/C turned on. If the A/C is turned off, the noise goes away after a few moments.

If the truck has warmed up a few minutes, the noise does not happen at all when A/C is turned on.

I'm 95% sure it has to do with the belt. However, would it be belt tension or indication the belt is getting old?

Would it be best to replace the belt now or use belt dressing for a while?

Will this affect the Alternator or A/C fuction at all?

Mr.

NapalmHeart · Accepted Answer

Could be the belt tensioner.  I've had new ones squeal right out of the box.Ken

Chevrolet · Answer

it's the belt stretched or worn out

NapalmHeart · Answer

Not necessarily.  My truck has done it with a new belt.

Chevrolet · Answer

I know..tie rod or turbo causes that... :P  if the belt is old  try that.. a new belt never hurt ya...and if it stilll does it.. take it to a garage

Denny · Answer

Grab onto the belt and give it a pull. If the belt gives and then goes back the belt tensioner is ok and I'd just put a belt on it. If the belt has no give to it, then get a tensioner to go with the new belt.

I'm not a fan of belt dressing. The kind that uses silicone will cause a serp belt to slide off and the other sticky-gooey kind is a mess.

Neither will work if the belt breaks or comes off.

Denny

NapalmHeart · Answer

I would hardly take such a thing to a garage, but that's me. Someone else may want to. If I put lubricant on the shaft of the bolt that the tensioner rides on, it quits squealing for awhile. Brand new part, brand new belt, that's just the way it is.

Ken

Squealing at start up w/AC turned on... thoughts?

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