Ok guys,here's my problem. SC300 was doing the infamous sqealing/squeaking from under the hood. The car has 170,000 miles,BTW. I have replaced:
Idler pulley bearing
Serpentine belt
Tensioner assembly
I think it may POSSIBLY be the A/C unit causing the squealing, as it gets louder when I turn it on. What do you guys think? Is it worth it to shell out the money for a new A/C unit, or can I just replace the A/C pulley? When I turn the A/C pulley (with the belt off) it kind of "clicks"(?) like a loose bearing maybe. What should I do? Any other things I can check? Can I get a different belt to bypass the A/C? Thanks in advance!

 

Still no answers? It seems to be getting worse. If the A/C compressor is failing, would it squeal as well?

 

Yes the A/C will squeal if the bearing is bad and soon it will take a dump. If you replace the pump you will also have to recharge the system.

 

Quick way to tell...spray Lube One, or some sort of Silicone spray...between the pulley and the compressor...if you hear the squeal go away...get it replaced.

Spraying lube on the Spindle/bearings dose not fix anything...it will just give you an idea if its the problem or not.

 

Is there a way to replace just the bearing and/or the pulley/clutch as well? The car still sqeaks a bit even though the A/C isn't on, probably b/c it is under load, just not as much I guess,then gets worse when it is engaged. Guess I'll search around for a price of a pump Any other ideas?

 

I did try and spray it a little when I changed the tensioner, as it was still squeaking, and it didn't do anything. I have been researching extensively to no avail.

 

Then the entire unit is going bye bye...
replace, recharge....It sucks, but gotta have air!!

 

Yeah, I heard that! I guess that's the thing I gotta do. Oh well, then I'llbe good for another 170,000. Thanks for the help again!

 

Try a AC clutch assy first. (the pulley on the front of the compressor) If the noise is there with the AC compressor off, most of the time it will be the clutch. I would look at the water pump as well.

 

Well I have to work tomorrow, so I guess it won't be until Monday until I look at it. I'll keep you posted as to what it was.

 

Okay, well i did a bit of research and I need an opinion. I found an "A/C compressor gut pack" from Advance Auto Parts for $19.99. I also found A/C compressor bearings for $32.99. So does this mean the part on my car which could be squeaking (A/C clutch) is a servicable part. Any one ever take one apart? They also offer a "bearing shaft seal kit" as well.

 

Is it while your car is on, like a constant noise, or just when the car is under load as in you just turned on the a/c, or just started the car. If its the latter I'd bet money on the crankshaft pulley (harmonic balancer).

 

iT'S WHEN i CRANK IT, I GET A "CHIRP", THEN WHILE IT IS IN DRIVE SITTING AT A LIGHT, IT CONSTANTLY SQUEAKS. iT'S DRIVING ME CRAZY AS THERE ARE SO MANY COMPONENTS TO THIS PROBLEM

 

*update* after much frustration and research, I sprayed the pulleys with WD40 after I took the belt off the car. The crank pulley kinda "jiggles" (the part on the outside of the rubber) Normal or no? The power steering pulley feels SLIGHTLY stiff when I spin it, meanin it doesn't spin as freely as the other pulleys (A/C, fan,etc.) I put the belt back on and started the car, and....no squeaks!!! After about 7 hours, I heard it again, but not nearly as loud. It still chirps when you start it, but quiet driving, stopped etc. Could it be the rubber wearing out in the crank? I'd like to think so. Please read everything I have checked/done before you give me a solution please. thanks again!

 

The crank pulley should not "jiggle". The outer ring of the balancer (crank pulley) could be rubbing the front engine cover. The power steering pulley should have some resistance when turned. Not a lot but just a litthe bit.