Why Does the Car Make a Squeaking Noise When the Air Conditioner is On?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons for the abnormal noise when the car's air conditioner is on: 1. Air conditioner pump head. This type of fault mainly occurs at the engagement surface of the air conditioner electromagnetic clutch. If the electromagnetic clutch is worn, it can cause abnormal noise. If this is indeed the source of the problem, it is recommended to replace it. 2. Bearing performance. This refers to the compressor clutch bearing. This type of fault source usually occurs only when the air conditioner is operating and is directly related to acceleration. For this vehicle fault phenomenon, it is recommended to go to a repair shop for inspection. Here are the solutions for abnormal noise in the car's air conditioner: 1. Open the air filter cover under the glove compartment on the passenger side, cover it with a gauze bag, start the car, and turn the fan to the highest setting to blow out any foreign objects. Alternatively, go to a repair shop to have high-pressure airflow blow out the foreign objects. 2. Replace the refrigerant.
I've been repairing cars for over 20 years, and when a car's air conditioning makes a squealing noise, it's most likely an issue with the belt or pulley. For example, if the belt is aged or loose, it can slip and produce a sharp screeching sound. If the electromagnetic clutch in the compressor is faulty, it can also create an annoying noise. Sometimes, the problem stems from excessive wear and friction in the blower motor bearings, especially when starting up, causing loud noises. Ignoring these issues can lead to reduced cooling efficiency, increased fuel consumption, and an uncomfortable driving experience. I recommend car owners not delay—first, visit a repair shop to check the belt tension and pulley components. You can try tightening the belt a bit with a wrench, but be careful not to damage other parts. If that doesn’t work, have a professional technician use tools to measure and replace the belt or repair the compressor. The cost isn’t too high, but delaying repairs could damage more components.
I've been driving this old car for two or three years. Last month, the air conditioner started squeaking as soon as I turned it on, which scared me into thinking it might break down. Looking back, it might be that the belt was too loose from not being replaced for too long, or there was abnormal noise when the compressor started, mixed with the buzzing of the fan. Later, I asked a friend who said this kind of noise is quite common, and often if ignored, the belt could snap and the air conditioner would completely fail, affecting summer road trips. I tried opening the hood myself to take a look and saw the belt was a bit white and cracked, so I temporarily tightened the screws, which made the noise a bit quieter. However, it's still recommended to go to a 4S shop for a comprehensive check to be safe. After all, the air conditioner affects driving comfort, and if the compressor breaks down, repairs could be more expensive. It's better to address the issue early for safety and cost savings.
My car makes a squeaking noise every time I turn on the air conditioning, which makes my husband worry about safety. I looked it up and suspect it's either a slipping belt or a stuck fan causing friction noise. If it gets louder, the belt might even snap. Not only would the AC stop cooling, but it'd also waste fuel. I really don't want to spend a fortune fixing it. I often check the engine belts myself to see if they're loose or worn – tightening them might help temporarily. But if that doesn't work, I'll have to visit a repair shop. Keeping the car running smoothly is what matters most – we shouldn't let minor issues turn into major problems.
