I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**IT Cowboy** · 05-23-2025, 09:46 PM

The clutch on my AC compressor squeaks when it kicks on after I turn up the blower switch inside. It seems mostly at low idle and mostly goes away at higher rpm. I need the AC filled anyway so would it be better to just replace the entire compressor vs replacing the clutch. Is there any adjustment on it or are they usually FUBAR at that point. It looks like a new compressor is $220 and a clutch kit is $100

Rick Bollinger · 05-23-2025, 10:30 PM

Those pull a pretty good load. May just be a loose or bad belt, they need to be pretty tight.

**Already Gone** · 05-25-2025, 06:10 PM

Just had same problem with my truck and tightening the belt fixed it.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 05-28-2025, 06:06 PM

Employ a buddy for another hand, I found I needed one to square the compressor properly, and for a good assembly. Be sure ALL nuts and bolts that involve compressor movement are loose, if in doubt, loosen it. As I remember it, that excludes only the plate fastened to the compressor, the bracket fastened to the exhaust manifold, and the bracket fastened to the intake; for a BBC anyway. There are one or two other fasteners unrelated to compressor movement, such as for a retainer.

Place your bar below the center of the compressor for even distribution, stretch the belt to the right place, and have someone hold it still while you tighten all the nuts and bolts as a unit, in sequences even better. Everything has to be tight or you're back to square one.

Got rid of my racket, I was worried man☺ the compressor had already taken three trips across the country.

**Jason Banks** · 05-28-2025, 06:32 PM

I think the default state for those original type compressors is "usually FUBAR"

Back when I last had one, a good quality Gates belt was critical to prevent squealing.(Not sure if he Gates belts are still as good) I had tried new belts and kept tightening and tightening and the someone turned me onto the Gates belt and that resolved the problem, until the compressor was FUBAR again....and again....

**leddzepp** · 05-28-2025, 06:55 PM

The belt needs to be VERY tight, the A6 will squeal relentlessly at low rpm. If you do replace it, get the aluminum upgraded version. It turns a LOT easier and your belt will not squeal. You can find it for less money from other vendors (I bought mine at autozone). Old Air sells them for top dollar.

**IT Cowboy** · 05-28-2025, 07:11 PM

I will tighten up the belt and give it a try, then as right now I just have it at the press on it with a couple of fingers and it wiggles tight.

Rick Bollinger · 05-29-2025, 10:22 PM

Also look at the sides of the belt. If it is smooth and shiny replace it.

Accelo · 05-30-2025, 11:01 AM

The belts with what look like clogs on the inside carry more hp and work on smaller diameter pulleys than the smooth belts. If you replace the belt I would use this type of belt. They carry the same part number but have an X after the number.
Good Luck

**IT Cowboy** · 05-30-2025, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accelo

The belts with what look like clogs on the inside carry more hp and work on smaller diameter pulleys than the smooth belts. If you replace the belt I would use this type of belt. They carry the same part number but have an X after the number.
Good Luck

Like this? I would have never figured they were better and I though they were for different pulleys. I am lazy and hat to take all the belts off to change one lol

**IT Cowboy** · 05-30-2025, 04:42 PM

Well, I tightened the belt, and that seems to have resolved the issue. I can now turn on the A/C fan and the clutch engages without any squealing or chirping. The belt previously had about a finger’s width of play, so I used a breaker bar and had my wife add some leverage while I tightened it up—team effort! I'm already using a Gates ribbed belt (I like to call them alligator belts), and it’s now nice and snug. We’ll see if the fix holds, but so far, so good. Thanks again for all the suggestions and help!

05-23-2025, 09:46 PM	#1
IT Cowboy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Arizona in a van down by the river Posts: 620	I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch The clutch on my AC compressor squeaks when it kicks on after I turn up the blower switch inside. It seems mostly at low idle and mostly goes away at higher rpm. I need the AC filled anyway so would it be better to just replace the entire compressor vs replacing the clutch. Is there any adjustment on it or are they usually FUBAR at that point. It looks like a new compressor is $220 and a clutch kit is $100 Attached Images __________________ 1972 C10 Custom Deluxe Highlander 402 Freedom isn't safe, it requires you to take responsibility for your own life, your own safety, and your own success. It carries with it the possibility of failure and the understanding that you're working without out a safety net. If you give the state the responsibility for any of these you also give up the freedom that accompanies the responsibility.

05-23-2025, 10:30 PM	#2
Rick Bollinger Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Colchester IL Posts: 512	Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch Those pull a pretty good load. May just be a loose or bad belt, they need to be pretty tight.

05-25-2025, 06:10 PM	#3
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,231	Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch Just had same problem with my truck and tightening the belt fixed it. __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " In the end, we only regret the chances we didnt take " " Time is the only currency we spend without knowing the balance, use it wisely ." ..

05-28-2025, 06:06 PM	#4
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,692	Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch Employ a buddy for another hand, I found I needed one to square the compressor properly, and for a good assembly. Be sure ALL nuts and bolts that involve compressor movement are loose, if in doubt, loosen it. As I remember it, that excludes only the plate fastened to the compressor, the bracket fastened to the exhaust manifold, and the bracket fastened to the intake; for a BBC anyway. There are one or two other fasteners unrelated to compressor movement, such as for a retainer. Place your bar below the center of the compressor for even distribution, stretch the belt to the right place, and have someone hold it still while you tighten all the nuts and bolts as a unit, in sequences even better. Everything has to be tight or you're back to square one. Got rid of my racket, I was worried man☺ the compressor had already taken three trips across the country. __________________ Tony 1971 C10 Custom Deluxe SWB 402/400TH A/C I developed an assembly information kit for restoring my truck from nuts and bolts. It's written in Assy. order, short & simple, packed with all OEM hardware ID; castings; part ID; 100s of part numbers; wiring simple - Resource, and trivial too. Much info. applies to all 67-72 GM, A/C vehicles, esp. trucks W/O saying. Full search ability, including to 700+ images of illus., parts, charts, Assy., points of interest, cab, bed, & front clip cart plans- Specials and cores were serviced out and R excluded e.g. front/rear glass, body/paint, engine core, rebuilt hinges, steering box, trans, etc. The project was in-line with long former professions developing process, policy, specs, demo, written for novices, admin., policy, engineers, development, systems & test - Public & govt 2, gross. Sell soft copy cheaply, PM if interested.Build thread:https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 Last edited by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402; 05-28-2025 at 06:23 PM.

05-28-2025, 06:32 PM	#5
Jason Banks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TX Posts: 1,787	Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch I think the default state for those original type compressors is "usually FUBAR" Back when I last had one, a good quality Gates belt was critical to prevent squealing.(Not sure if he Gates belts are still as good) I had tried new belts and kept tightening and tightening and the someone turned me onto the Gates belt and that resolved the problem, until the compressor was FUBAR again....and again....

05-28-2025, 06:55 PM	#6
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,237	Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch The belt needs to be VERY tight, the A6 will squeal relentlessly at low rpm. If you do replace it, get the aluminum upgraded version. It turns a LOT easier and your belt will not squeal. You can find it for less money from other vendors (I bought mine at autozone). Old Air sells them for top dollar. Attached Images __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

05-28-2025, 07:11 PM	#7
IT Cowboy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Arizona in a van down by the river Posts: 620	Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch I will tighten up the belt and give it a try, then as right now I just have it at the press on it with a couple of fingers and it wiggles tight. __________________ 1972 C10 Custom Deluxe Highlander 402 Freedom isn't safe, it requires you to take responsibility for your own life, your own safety, and your own success. It carries with it the possibility of failure and the understanding that you're working without out a safety net. If you give the state the responsibility for any of these you also give up the freedom that accompanies the responsibility.

05-29-2025, 10:22 PM	#8
Rick Bollinger Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Colchester IL Posts: 512	Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch Also look at the sides of the belt. If it is smooth and shiny replace it.

05-30-2025, 11:01 AM	#9
Accelo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,426	Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch The belts with what look like clogs on the inside carry more hp and work on smaller diameter pulleys than the smooth belts. If you replace the belt I would use this type of belt. They carry the same part number but have an X after the number. Good Luck

05-30-2025, 04:42 PM	#11
IT Cowboy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Arizona in a van down by the river Posts: 620	Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch Well, I tightened the belt, and that seems to have resolved the issue. I can now turn on the A/C fan and the clutch engages without any squealing or chirping. The belt previously had about a finger’s width of play, so I used a breaker bar and had my wife add some leverage while I tightened it up—team effort! I'm already using a Gates ribbed belt (I like to call them alligator belts), and it’s now nice and snug. We’ll see if the fix holds, but so far, so good. Thanks again for all the suggestions and help! __________________ 1972 C10 Custom Deluxe Highlander 402 Freedom isn't safe, it requires you to take responsibility for your own life, your own safety, and your own success. It carries with it the possibility of failure and the understanding that you're working without out a safety net. If you give the state the responsibility for any of these you also give up the freedom that accompanies the responsibility.



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