Squeaky, squeally sound??

[Daryl]

Backed out of my parking place, uphill… and somethings squeaking like a mofo! Loud and embarrassing like. I had the A/C on, so wondering if it’s the pulley? Tone of the squeak/screetch changed with speed.
Kind of vague, I know, but hard to describe. Any thoughts as to what this might be? It kind of settled down a bit towards the end of the 20-min drive home, but was still there faintly

 

[lwarrior1016]

I assume it’s coming from the front of the engine? You can remove the belt and see if the noise goes away. Or squirt some water on the belt and see if it changes anything. It could be the belt or a pulley.

 

[Daryl]

Ok, warrior, will do tomorrow. Thanks!!

 

[Daryl]

Which one is the A/C pulley/compressor? I researched a diagram but it shows the upper driver side as the location. But that one has the power steering filler on it so I’m thinking that ain’t it!

 

[lwarrior1016]

The bottom one in that picture is the a/c compressor.

 

[Daryl]

The water trick worked! Instantly, actually. But that can’t be a permanent fix, can it?!

 

[lwarrior1016]

Nope. You probably need a new belt. How old is that one?

 

[Daryl]

Nope. You probably need a new belt. How old is that one?

Belt is new. Put on with engine rebuild less than 1k ago

 

[lwarrior1016]

What’s the age on all the pullies? I have bought some cheap belts before and it was only a couple months before they started making noise.

 

[Daryl]

What’s the age on all the pullies? I have bought some cheap belts before and it was only a couple months before they started making noise.

Pulleys:
Alternator: new alternator.
PS pulley: has been in there since I’ve owned it (1.5 yrs), so no telling if it’s the OE or was replaced/rebuilt previously;
A/C compressor: I just had the A/C serviced. Wasn’t working. Turns out the system is fine, just needed refrigerant and a new inlet nozzle.

Belt: again, new with engine rebuild

 

[lwarrior1016]

How about the idler pullies?

 

[Daryl]

One new one.

 

[lwarrior1016]

I would probably try a new belt. It’s never bad to have a back up belt, or you could try it and return it if it still squeals

 

[Daryl]

Worth a shot. I’ll swing by NAPA Monday.
Will they know what length I need?

 

[ttocs]

napa knows. Autozone will after you tell them its not a the year make model and confirm it is not 4x4 they might get it right.

 

[Daryl]

napa knows. Autozone will after you tell them its not a the year make model and confirm it is not 4x4 they might get it right.

LOL! I know, same thing at my local vatozone! I have to repeat the specs of the car to them at least twice! I think they’re trained to ask the same questions at given intervals. I’ll walk up to the counter and say, “ ‘95 Ford. Mustang. Cobra SVT. 5.0”. Coupe. Then I get:
“what year?” ‘95.
Cobra? Yeah, Cobra.
SVT? yep.
5.0? Should be the only displacement shown for a SVT!
After one iteration of repeating myself, I’m usually ready to spout off, “ did you hear a freakin thing I said?”!!! But they’re so consistently predictable with this same dialogue, it’s entertainment at this point!!

 

[joemomma]

Does it squeak with the AC off? Mine was doing something similar (more of a tap/knock), but only with the AC on. Turns out it was the tensioner pulley.

 

[Daryl]

Didn’t seem to do it with A/C off, no. Water trick worked for now, but haven’t run it since so I don’t know (doubt) that was a permanent fix. I’m thinking tensioner pulley also. I replaced one. Must be time to do the other!

 

[joemomma]

Mine only has one tensioner, but I think there are two idlers. When I replaced the tensioner, the windings (or whatever is on the insides) were coming out. It was definitely shot!

 

[Monday]

One's a tensioner; other's an idler.

I've changed both. No squeeks.

You can always spray a little Silicone Lubricant around the back of both, into the bearings if you can - use the little red spray thingy what comes with it.

Before I changed both aforementioned pulleys, I sprayed both and quiet as a church til I changed them I think four or five months after that.

Three of the four cars in my yard right now have had, and one still does, a failing AC Clutch - you should check that too.

I'm just saying