My 1998 Subaru Outback 2.5L has an air conditioning problem and I'd like to see if any of you brilliant people could offer some advice. About 10 months ago the original compressor was replaced, as the mechanic said it was dead, with an aftermarket compressor. Shortly thereafter the compressor clutch started making a squealing noise each time the clutch disengaged, this wasn't a belt noise, it was actually coming from the clutch.
I disconnected the power supply to the compressor and the noise was very loud. The clutch seemed to be still trying to turn with the belt but there was no power to the compressor. When the clutch was engaged the unit seemed to work great. Cold air was abundant. However, I took the car back and the mechanic replaced the compressor.
A month went by and the same sounds returned. Fed up with the mechanic, I've put off any thought of taking it back to him.
Could the clutch be too close to the pulley assembly and it's being caught on the pulley when disengaged? If so, is it possible to remove the clutch and sand it down or something?
The other problem is cooling while not moving. The vehicle doesn't seem to cool at all unless it's under way. Any ideas on this trouble?