I've never dealt with auto A/C systems before, so bear with me.
I drive a 2000 Intrepid 2.7L
I took my car to the local mechanic to get my belts replaced since it was time. Since then, when I turn on my AC, there is a very loud squealing for a couple seconds. It will also squeal periodically while driving in town. It seems to happen at times of high engine torque, like right before the gears shift (but not always).
I guessed that maybe the belts needed to either be broken in or get tightened. I am ingnorant about this stuff. I took it back to the mechanic who said pretty much nothing besides, "It's ready." It was not fixed.
I took it back again and dropped it off. I went back later and the mechanic said he could not make it squeal and that they test drove it. I was getting quite angry b/c it was obvious that were not even trying to resolve this. It squeals EVERY time I turn the AC on. So I got in my car, started it, and turned the AC on. Sure enough, it starts screaming like a banshee for a couple seconds then stops. I give it some throttle and it squeals again. You'd have to be dead not hear it.
I go get the mechanic, open the hood, and hit the gas. SQUEEEEEEAAAAL!!!
He gets wide eyed since he knows he just got busted. He hollars for another mechanic to come look. They watch something under the hood intently as I rev the engine. They tell me that the "compressor is momentarily seizing, causing the belt to rub against the pulley. It stops squealing when the compressor starts turning. You'll have to replace the compressor."
Then he tells me that's about $800. I said, "Not today."
According to them, as long as I don't turn the compressor on then I am in no danger of causing further damage.
I have several questions:
1) Why did it start when I had my belts changed?
-Incidentally, do I have a serpentine belt or a number of smaller belts?
2) Is his explanation plausible?
3) In my research I have seen reference to just replacing an A/C compressor's clutch. Is that an option here?
4) I am quite willing to attempt repairs myself, but does the replacement of an A/C compressor require that the coolant be recharged? What is the difficulty rating of replacing a compressor? Are any special tools involved?
It's so hard to find a mechanic to trust. I never leave this guy's shop feeling like I got a fair shake. Any knowledge you guys can share will help.
I drive a 2000 Intrepid 2.7L
I took my car to the local mechanic to get my belts replaced since it was time. Since then, when I turn on my AC, there is a very loud squealing for a couple seconds. It will also squeal periodically while driving in town. It seems to happen at times of high engine torque, like right before the gears shift (but not always).
I guessed that maybe the belts needed to either be broken in or get tightened. I am ingnorant about this stuff. I took it back to the mechanic who said pretty much nothing besides, "It's ready." It was not fixed.
I took it back again and dropped it off. I went back later and the mechanic said he could not make it squeal and that they test drove it. I was getting quite angry b/c it was obvious that were not even trying to resolve this. It squeals EVERY time I turn the AC on. So I got in my car, started it, and turned the AC on. Sure enough, it starts screaming like a banshee for a couple seconds then stops. I give it some throttle and it squeals again. You'd have to be dead not hear it.
I go get the mechanic, open the hood, and hit the gas. SQUEEEEEEAAAAL!!!
He gets wide eyed since he knows he just got busted. He hollars for another mechanic to come look. They watch something under the hood intently as I rev the engine. They tell me that the "compressor is momentarily seizing, causing the belt to rub against the pulley. It stops squealing when the compressor starts turning. You'll have to replace the compressor."
Then he tells me that's about $800. I said, "Not today."
According to them, as long as I don't turn the compressor on then I am in no danger of causing further damage.
I have several questions:
1) Why did it start when I had my belts changed?
-Incidentally, do I have a serpentine belt or a number of smaller belts?
2) Is his explanation plausible?
3) In my research I have seen reference to just replacing an A/C compressor's clutch. Is that an option here?
4) I am quite willing to attempt repairs myself, but does the replacement of an A/C compressor require that the coolant be recharged? What is the difficulty rating of replacing a compressor? Are any special tools involved?
It's so hard to find a mechanic to trust. I never leave this guy's shop feeling like I got a fair shake. Any knowledge you guys can share will help.
