[Senpai Sub Zero]

Hey so my wife's car is making this squeaking noise when you turn the car on or you leave it in park and give it a little gas right about the 2000 rmp range. It will make the noise then stop. It doesn't make the noise if the AC is off, it also doesn't make this noise while driving only on start up and me testing it out at that range. The belt looks good giving it a glance. Any ideas?
Thank you.



EDIT: So This piece is what is making the noise. Any idea what it is called, or have a youtube video I can watch, or what to do?

 

[Senpai Sub Zero]

My guess is that the serpentine belt is worn. It may not look it, but chances are it is. It may be worn to the point where the tensioner can't compensate for the slack as the drag of the a/c compressor loads up the belt. Belts aren't expensive and if you haven't changed them yet, make a Sunday project of it and get it done.

Is what i circled in the picture the tensioner?

 

[Senpai Sub Zero]

Yes.

If there is oil visible on it or around it (it will get on a number of other things, including the alternator, and look like dirt) the shock is blown and the tensioner needs replacement. Its not hard, just fiddly as the clearance is tight.

There are marks on the tensioner and the hex that you use to release the tension so you can get the belt off. The belt is worn beyond service limits when the hex is outside the marks. You need a mirror to see it, but its clearly visible with one and a light.

The other possibility is that the roller on the tensioner, the alternator or A/C compressor bearings are either dead or locking up resulting in the belt squealing. They have to be pretty far gone to do that, so if that's what's going on you definitely want to take care of it. Note that the water pump has its own "stretchy" belt (no tensioner) and thus is not involved in this, but if you're changing one do both because you have to take the serpentine off to get the other one off, and you're definitely not doing that on the side of the road (the only reasonable way in to do it is through the wheel well, so that means removing the wheel and the splash shield.) It's not a tough job in your garage but on the side of the road will be no fun at all.

Awesome not the worst news there is oil on it so ill go ahead and replace it and give you guys and update. Thank you guys!