1999 Jeep Cherokee Loud squeel from A/C

Tiny
CARPY85
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. Whenever I turn on my A/C it makes a very loud squeeling sound that continues for 5+ minutes unless I let the engine warm up for 5+ minutes first then the squeeling sound only last for less than 1 minute. The sound seems to be coming from under the hood. What is it, how can I fix it, and how much will it cost?
Friday, August 8th, 2008 AT 5:47 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Sounds like you need to replace your serp belt and your belt tensioner. Approx cost is 100 -125 in parts and one hour labor to replace.
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Friday, August 8th, 2008 AT 5:49 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Most likely the squeel is coming from the belt slipping due to a weak belt tensioner. Without looking at vehicle this is my educated opinion, not fact, have it checked out because eventually the belt will come off
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Friday, August 8th, 2008 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
CARPY85
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your quick reply. I don't know too much about auto mechanics and I definitly do not know the lingo. Is the serp belt the only belt that is there(the one that runs everything) or is there another one, I don't know about? I did recently replace that main belt and I made sure it was tight enough, then when I turned on the engine and the a/c, it emediately began to squeel. It ONLY squeels when the A/C is ON. As soon as I turn the A/C off the squeeling STOPS.
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Friday, August 8th, 2008 AT 5:55 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Ok. Yes the serp belt is the main belt that you replaced. Your problem is the belt tensioner is not putting enough tension on the belt. It is very easy to replace. Just loosen tension and slide belt off the tensioner then remove the bolt in the center of the tensioner to remove it, them install new tensioner and all your problems will be gone.
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Friday, August 8th, 2008 AT 6:39 PM

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