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New compressor squeals with a/c on

IslanderOffRoad on Wed September 10, 2008 12:19 AM User is offline

Year: 94
Make: Jeep
Model: Cherokee XJ
Engine Size: 4.0L
Refrigerant Type: R134
Country of Origin: United States

Just had a brand new Sanden compressor put into my XJ. Bought the part off ebay, local A/C shop put it in. They said the Jeep needed a new fan clutch so I replaced that before running the a/c

Fired it up for the first time tonight and went to use the a/c. Whenever I'm on throttle the a/c squeals like crazy.

What is this? Is the new compressor junk? Belt problem? The squeal goes away when its turned off.

Cussboy on Wed September 10, 2008 1:24 AM User is offline

First thing: try a quality brand new belt. Gates, Goodyear, Dayco.

cmeseadoin on Wed September 10, 2008 8:01 AM User is offline

I own two XJ's and they are sensitive to belt tension. Sounds like they did not tension the belt correctly to me, got oil on the belt or the belt is old and worn, thus causing the squeel due to a combination of improper tension/wear. The reason that it only squeels when the a/c is on is that when it is on, the compressor clutch is engaged thus increasing the load placed on the belt in effort to spin the compressor. When the a/c is off, the clutch is disengaged and only drives the pulley which takes a lot less effort. Seems to me you have a VERY simple problem.

cmeseadoin on Wed September 10, 2008 8:04 AM User is offline

The first thing I would do is check belt tension and try tightening it a little. Serpentine fan belts anymore are not cheap (17-35 bucks). Why replace the belt and spend that money if a simple tightening will cure the squeel? We don't know anything about whether this Jeep has a new belt or an old one, that is where the original poster of the problem will have to use some common sense and judgement.

TRB on Wed September 10, 2008 10:52 AM User is offlineView users profile

Belt tension = Maybe
Pressure issue = Maybe
Air Flow = Maybe
Ebay compressor = Maybe

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IslanderOffRoad on Sat September 13, 2008 12:55 AM User is offline

Belt tension was the issue.

I recommend picking up a Kriket Tensioner Tester to ensure your belt is in spec, made it very easy!

Maccer on Tue August 11, 2009 9:36 PM User is offline

Im having the same problem with a new sanden installed about 10 days ago... new belts came with the compressor. The belts stretched a little and there was too much slack, so this weekend I tightened both belts, but it still squeals. Sometimes when I reach cruising speed, the squeal will go away for awhile but it returns once i slow down or run at idle. I wonder if its possible to have the belts too tight?

This is 1965 mustang with a simple 1978 inline 6 200. Only has two v-belts. Larger for crank, fan and AC, and the small belt for AC to alternator. Any suggestions ?



-------------------------
1965 Ford Mustang
w/ 1978 200ci 6-cyl engine

New sanden compressor

Cussboy on Tue August 11, 2009 10:33 PM User is offline

The belt might have gotten glazed by the slipping; I'd try a new belt if it was mine, and keep it tight.

Maccer on Wed August 12, 2009 8:14 AM User is offline

Good point cussboy.

-------------------------
1965 Ford Mustang
w/ 1978 200ci 6-cyl engine

New sanden compressor

Maccer on Wed August 12, 2009 8:32 PM User is offline

Follow up -- I checked the belts and they appeared fine. Loosened all of the tensioning bolts and put as much tenson on both belts with a piece of pry wood as i could and then retightened. Squeal is gone at all rpms.

Dang it feels good to cruise around in 95 degree heat in a "COOLED" classic car. Uncooled, not so much fun.

-------------------------
1965 Ford Mustang
w/ 1978 200ci 6-cyl engine

New sanden compressor

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