max333

I am the the owner of a 2002 Subaru WRX, purchased in September of 2001 with 48,800 miles on the odometer. I engaged my airconditioning today and was greeted by a horrendous squealing noise, like metal on metal. This noise could be toggled on and off by the using the air conditioning button at engine revolutions greater than 3,000 rpm so it is apparent that it is related to the air conditioning system itself. I did not have the time to lift the hood and do any trouble-shooting as I was running late for work.

I am curious if anyone else has experienced this noise and has any reccommendations as to it's repair. I refuse to have anything to do with the dealership in my location and I am actively searching for a Subaru certified mechanic in the Memphis area. Also, if anyone is familar with a good mechanic in the Memphis area and can make a reccommendation, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time and replies to this thread.

jdepould

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like a belt or something, hopefully the compressor isn't fried. I wouldn't use the A/C until you have it checked out, to prevent any (further) damage.

max333

Well I checked my belts and they are fine. The noise is definately coming from my airconditioning unit itself.

doughboy

iTrader: (3)

i have the same problem with my '02. i haven't had it checked, but it does sound like a belt tension issue...

i don't think it's worth freaking out over though. just have it checked. until then, i'll be sweating in my car. lol.

funkendrenchman

Ha, I have the same problem and was about to start a thread on it. It makes a lot of squealing when it is first warming up, but then it occurs for one sec every 45 sec or so. At that same point there appears to be a little bit of stuttering/power loss. Any ideas beyond "go get it checked out?"

doughboy

iTrader: (3)

either replace the AC belt or have the tension adjusted. i had it "checked out" by Kevin at AHQ...he recommended that i replace the AC belt. that's being done next week, so i'll post to let you know if it solves the problem.

BTW, mine doesn't occur when the car is cold or at certain RPM's. it occurs intermittently when my AC is turned on.

funkendrenchman

After reading some other threads, it definitely appears to be either a loose or worn out AC belt. I'll be getting it checked tomorrow.

edit - tightened the belt... problem solved.

UCDgogie

iTrader: (2)

im having the same problem on my 03 wrx. just really noticed it today. i still have the manufacturers warranty..so you guys think this would be covered?
thanks

Wingless Wonder

iTrader: (7)

If it is the a/c drive belt on an '03 car, that is considered normal wear and tear and not serviced under warranty. It is a specified replaceable item at the 60,000-mile service.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

jdepould

iTrader: (2)

Still worth having it checked out, since it's possible that it could be something else, no?

Wingless Wonder

iTrader: (7)

It could be the a/c compressor unit itself, which usually only presents itself when the clutch is engaged.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

UCDgogie

iTrader: (2)

ahh i c...i have to get my 60k done pretty soon..so itll prolly get checked out then.