Noisy A/C at start up.

[doitmyself]

2005 Caravan, 2.4L engine,. 115 K miles. I'm just starting to get a heavy chirping noise (similar, but different to power steering belt squeal) when I first turn on our air conditioner. It goes away in five to ten seconds.

The serpentine belt was replaced last year during the timing belt change.

Unless the A/C clutch is going bad, I'm guessing that maybe a worn tensioner/idler pulley might be the culprit?

Any advice to diagnose this? IF I replace the tensioner/pulley, would it be o.k. to re use this relatively new serpentine belt? Or, has it maybe developed a glaze or other damage?

Thanks for any insight or helpful suggestions.

 

[oilboy123]

Spray water in a spray bottle on the belt. Do this while someone starts it. If the noise goes away instantly you just diagnosed it to the belt.

If it made no difference
I would remove the belt and turn the tensioner pulley and the idler pulley to see if the bearings are going bad. You can get the bearings from a bearing shop for cheap, and press them in with sockets. Possibility exists that another accessory pulley is going bad......
I always get the pulleys super squeaky clean before a new belt goes near the pulleys. I use contact cleaner, brake clean etc.