DanHfmn

Been noticing a squeak under accelleration last few weeks. I knew it was something on the drivebelt, one of the pulleys, just couldn't figure out which.

Today I killed the a/c and the squeak about dissappeared. As soon as you switch it back on, the squeak comes back.

Clutch going out? Compressor going out? Some kind of lubrication required?

About to take a 12hr drive down to South Padre pulling the rv with the family, can't let the a/c die on us!

Thanks!

torquefan

This may be hard to diagnose, especially since the loudness of the diesel engine will drown out most of any noises associated with a failing or seizing compressor (rattling, humming etc.) I would be most inclined to look at belt misalignment first, or possibly a tensioner that's not keeping the belt tight enough. It may also be helpful to listen to the compressor with a stethoscope. Maybe you will hear some more noise that will help you to condemn it or decide it's ok.

gunracer1

i hit it at cowtown.

Partsman

If it goes away when you turn thr AC off, its probably the compressor going.

Crimedog

Take a look at the serpentine belt. When they start chirping when you load down the accessories (power steerning and AC compressor) it usually means the belt is getting old and glazed. Look at your belt, if it's questionable replace it and keep the old one in the truck for a spare.

DanHfmn

I did some driving down a road with trees lining both sides, bouncing the sound back at me. It still squeaks good with the A/C off, but it does get noticably worse with a/c on.

Hopefully it's the belt.

If it's the tension pulley, those hard/expensive to replace?

Partsman

Not hard but a little pricy about $100. if I remember.

DanHfmn

Well I did my best to lube the tensioner pulley with some wd40, but it's tough to get that stuff in the back of that pulley. Did seem to help some, but there was still a little squeak left.

But now I'm not sure if it's due to the wd40 that got oversprayed on the belt, or the spray on the pulley wheel.

Guess a new belt is the cheaper of the two to rule out first.

DanHfmn

Replaced belt with a new Goodyear Gatorback, no more squeak.

The old belt still looked good as far as cracking goes, there was none. However the ridges on the inside looked narrower than the new one, I guess that's what did it.