1997 Toyota Camry Something is squealing

SYDSYDS68

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA CAMRY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

Until two days ago my AC worked great and only squealed for a moment right after I turned it on. Now when I turn the AC on it squeals alot louder and the green light on the AC button blinks. Now its squealing as soon as I turn the car on even though the AC is not on. It sounds like it is coming from the belts but a few people have told me that the problem is the AC clutch or the pulley. Any info you have for me would be great. Also do you think I am making the problem worse by continuing to drive my car?

Saturday, July 11th, 2009 AT 4:03 PM

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi sydsyds68,

Thank you for the donation.

Since the noise is present even when AC is not turned ON, it is not caused by the AC clutch. It is either the accessories drive belts or idler bearings.

It is best to check, readjust belt tension or replace all belts if necessary. Continue use is not advised as it can cause insufficient charging if the alternator belt is slipping.

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Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 AT 11:21 AM

SYDSYDS68

MEMBER
2 POSTS

This evening the battery indicator light came on and ironically the squealing stopped right before that. I may have been imagining this but I think my lights were dimmer than usual. Good thing I got your answer because I was ready to buy a new alternator. Like I told you the squealing was almost constant but when I turned on the AC it sounded like a different squeal Also you can see the belt hesitate then speed up.

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Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 AT 6:21 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Symptom descriptions indicates the belt is slipping and that could cause the alternator charge to reduce thus the dimmer lights.

The alternator and compressor runs on the same belt so with AC on, belt is subjected to additional strain thus the louder noise. If the belt tension is correct, check the crank pulley.

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Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 AT 9:56 AM