Squeaky A/C- Just MS thing or problem??

[kristier23]

I have a 2003 Montero Sprt, all wheel drive, v-6. It has just barely over 100,000 miles on it. Very well maintained and babied all its life! I have noticed the A/c is very annoyingly squeaky. I know its the A/C because the sound stops when I turn the A/C off. I took it to an A/C place, they didnt seem to professional to me by the way, and they said it "sounded" like the bearings inside were going out and it would cost me over $900 total for new compressor and all that stuff. I should mention, it works great, just loud when outside the truck, can't hear it inside.

My question is, are these people just trying to take my money or is this legite, because there have been NUMEROUS Montero's that I have seen out and about and they make the EXACT same noise! It cant be just coincidence right? Is this just a common squeaky-ness for some reason characteristic only to the MS? I havent heard anything like it on other cars...Thanks

Kristie

[RSelby]

Does it squeak all the time, or only occasionally?

If it squeaks all the time, it could be a bushing/bearing issue. It could also just be the belt slipping a bit, or the idler pully squeaking. Both are simple fixes.

if it only squeaks occasionally, it's likely your belt slipping when the compressor clutch locks (the compressor doesn't run all the time, even when AC system is on). Mine did this for a while - a simple adjustment fixed it.

Bottom line, get a second opinion.

-Rick

[edcox]

If you have never replaced the belt go ahead and get a new one. You will need to re-adjust after a month or so.

[buggzyy]

your montero has a belt slip monitor and will disable the a/c if the belt slips or compressor starts to lock up. your noise is most likely the belt try using a water spray bottle and spray the belt when the noise occurs if noise goes away the replace the belt if not they try another belt. or the compressor may need oil but they all make a light wirrrh metallic type noise when running. Take if to your dealer they see these more often and can more than likely tell you if its normal.

[kristier23]

Thanks guys! Sprayed WD-40 on the pulley and noise stopped!! So new pulley it is...Thanks for the help and for saving me like 900 bucks too!

[black98ls]

that pulley may be hard to find. when i replaced mine the dealership said it was only sold as a unit w/ the tensioner. i have a 98 ms though so yours maybe fifferent. i got my new pulley off a mirage from the junk yard for $3

[kristier23]

Your right, Ive been having a heck of a time finding one. I was told to check at the dealer. But.... The mitsubishi dealer here closed but Im moving to another state next week so maybe there Ill look into...thanks!!!

Kristie