Air conditioner compressor clutch

[BromGo]

The start up squeal is getting worse - I’m concerned that a belt will pop before a long trip and we will have no AC (assuming it is a belt related sound).

Is there a simple way to ascertain what is causing a loud squealing sound on first start of the day?

[g8dhe]

Its normally the belt slipping makes the noise because the compressor has failed. Turn the controls OFF and it releases the magnetic clutch so that the drive pulley is disconnected or remove the belt itself is the other common solution but of course no cooling with it removed only air flow control and heating.

[BromGo]

having driven 2,500miles round europe this past 4 weeks, the aircon was an on/off affair.

some days it would work fine, others would be intermittent.

turning AC to econ then to off, then turning fans off, then waiting a minute, then restarting and it would often re-engage and work ... for 10 minutes, then I'd do the whole dance again.

hotter days and sticking it in reverse often correlated with intermittent aircon - I could tell straight away as the air through the fans was humid.

squeal on start up intermittent too. my theory is the belt is either too loose / too tight and temperature effects this. if this is a sign of a failing compressor, i'm confused why some days it would work for hours on end.

[BromGo]

hello there!

I've had the belt tension re-adjusted, no squeal so far but the aircon is still intermittent.

i'm looking for advice whether re-gassing the system is liable to
a) help
and/or
b) rule out any other issues

any guidance before I drop £80 on gas?

thanks

[g8dhe]

Any idea how long since it was last refilled? Normally they put a sticker on somewhere giving the dates last refilled for the aircon. If its likely to have been more than a couple of years it might need redoing anyway!

[Cooooooper]

Having removed the rear heater/aircon matrix thing in mine and capping the pipes off, I took it to a local garage who tested for leaks. After ascertaining that there were no leaks (yay!) they re-gassed it. All for £80. Might be worth getting the same done with yours. The compressor was making some awful noises so is being replaced as we speak. Fingers crossed it will be blowing cold and quiet by Monday!