Serpentine belt squealing

Hi,

More than likely the belt broke due to high tension from a pulley that is dragging and not spinning freely. Unless the belt was just old and cracked however, they normally exhibit other issues before breaking. So if it just broke then it is due to tension .

Here is a guide that walks through some common causes of squealing and you may be correct that it is the tensioner. However, it could be the compressor and the AC still works.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-squeaking-noise

There are a couple ways to find out which it is. Normally if it is a constant squealing it is a pulley. If it is a belt it will be a repetitive chirp. First, if you spray just the belt with a spray lubricant while it is making the noise and the noise stops then it is the belt. Then spray each pulley with the lubricant and see if the noise goes away. You need to be accurate with this and watch out for the fan.

Another way is to remove the belt and turn the pulleys by hand to see which does not turn easily or makes a scarping noise when turned by hand. This will point to the issue as well.

If they are correct that the AC pulley is locking up then the noise is the belt slipping on the pulley and it will get hot and break again so you will want to make sure you figure out which it is.

Let me know if you need more assistance with this issue. Thanks

Is there a way to bypass the A/C compressor on my car?

There are two options to bypass the A/C properly. First is to find a belt that is for your engine without A/C then just route it without looping the A/C pulley.

The second and best option I’d to find a A/C dummy pulley. This just replaces your compressor and bolts in place of it. This way you can use your stock belt and nothing else changes.

I did a quick search and found a couple options for the pulley so a google search for your vehicle and “dummy A/C compressor” should get you to the options.

Let me know if you have issues and we can figure something else out.