Squealing/chirping A/C belt.. how to fix?

[jutus]

My A/C belt is squealing (*really* loud) on cold starts + acceleration. I took my subie in today to Mastro for my 7500 mile maintenance and they told me they refitted a loose belt. On the way home the belt squealed again... once you get to cruising speed it just chirps once in a while.

Could someone kindly explain to a non-mechanically inclined person what causes this and how I can fix it myself? Mastro is a 1.5h drive away for me.

thank you kindly!

[thechickencow]

Wow, it really shouldn't be doing that. Unfortunately you're going to be best off going to the dealer. If the belt was tightened, and still chirped there might be something more serious wrong.

[PlatinumWRX]

What kind of retards screw up a belt tension on a Subaru. I had my crank pulley off and had to retension both belts. IT'S CAKE. I'd tell you how to do it, but they FUNKED IT UP, so take it to the dealer and make a stink!!!!

-Jim

[thechickencow]

Or, what Jim said. They're stupid.

[jutus]

It's really too bad. They seem like very competent folks over at Mastro. I have nothing but good things to say about them.

The problem is that they would have been unable to recreate the problem since the loud squealing really only happens on cold starts. Leaving the car at the dealer overnight isn't an option for me since they are out of town.

You're right though, I need to bring it to their attention. I'm just not looking forward to heading back to Tampa to get a belt tensioned properly.

From my invoice:

"CUSTOMER REQUEST TO CHECK A/C BELT NOISE ON COLD STARTS INSPECTED AND FOUND A/C BELT LOOSE ADJUSTED OK"

Is there any way that the A/C belt tension could be correct and yet the car still squeals?

Is this a common problem?

[PlatinumWRX]

The AC clutch might be bad, but I'd throw some good ole fashion fan belt dressing on there and see if it helps. Should be a spray can for $2 at Pepboys.

-Jim

[jutus]

So I put some belt dressing on all the belts, no luck. I'll put on my second application today... in moderation.

Mastro gave me a follow up call on my service (I paid $83 for my 7500 mile maintenance) and I told them the problem wasn't fixed. They've scheduled another appointment for me to just replace the belt entirely, since replicating the problem is impossible unless I leave the car there overnight (which is not an option).

All's well that ends well I guess. I was just about to try putting some teflon spray on the pulley axles.

thanks for your suggestions, jim + thechickencow