Yes! Another Belt Noise...
 

Here I go again. Im about 90% sure I know what the problem is this time but it seems like every time i turn around I am having some sort of problem with my drive belt or its accessories. This just started the other day. With the A/C on when i come to a stop and the RPMs drop it makes a heinous squeeling sound then stops as i accelerate or rev the car to approx 3k RPM. Then the process repeats itself as I start to slow again. Also does it if i turn the ac on when it hasn't been on. I'm pretty sure its the belt tensioner since its about the only pulley that has not been replaced recently other then Crank Shaft pulley. AC comp, idler pulley brand new. Alt & power steering brand new-ish (def not old enough to go bad yet). Belt is brand new. So I think its slipping a bit under load because the tensioner is going. Also I've noticed recently that all accessories dont seem to be working up to par. Headlights dim breifly when the RPMs drop under idle at a stop light, occasionaly the power steering feels stiff and AC sometimes works great other times not so great.

So I'm thinking all this stuff is related to the tensioner. What do you guys think? I kind of hate to replace it because I read all the horror stories about putting aftermarket tensioners on and the belt not fitting and causing all kinds of other problems.

Thanks, Danny

If you have a mechanics stethoscope, try that first to pinpoint it, Dan. I'd suspect the tensioner too, but it may be the clutch on your new a/c compressor. It may not be spaced properly.

From what you write - the tensioner is my culprit of choice ...

Yeah I found out for sure today that it was the the tensioner lol. I started out heading to work, got a few miles down the highway and it went completely. Luckily I didnt loose the belt but it was barley on there, obviously I had no accessories. I ended up driving my car little by little in reverse back down the emergency lane trying to keep it from getting too hot and not kill the battery completely. Took me about an hour but I finally got it home. I went and got the part and had it switched out in a few hours. Not fun but could have been much worse I guess!

Yep, procrastination will bite you in the ass every time. Glad to hear it worked out for you okay, though.

Yes It Will! I should have replaced it when I had it torn down a few weeks ago. I'll never learn lol

Glad you're safe, and things are back to normal ...