Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty AC Belt

If your car squeals when you turn on the A/C, has a cracked AC belt, or can't defrost the windshield, you may need to replace the AC belt.

The AC belt is probably the simplest component of a car's AC system, but still a very important one. The belt connects the A/C compressor clutch to the engine crankshaft, which allows the compressor to spin with engine power when activated. Like most automotive belts, an AC belt can be either a V-belt or a poly V-belt. The V-ribbed belt is flat and ribbed and serves to connect several components, while the V-belt is narrower, V-shaped and connects only two components. In any case, when the AC belt fails or begins to fail, it will display symptoms that will alert the driver to replace the belt.

1. Squealing when turning on the air conditioner

One of the most obvious signs that the belt needs to be replaced is that it will make a loud squealing sound when the A/C is turned on. In some cases this may be due to a loose belt or possibly water or oil contamination. However, in other cases it may be due to a badly worn belt that can no longer hold the pulleys properly. When the belt can no longer compress the pulleys properly, it will slip under the engine torque and squeal. Often this squeal will be very high and prominent. This is perhaps the most obvious sign that the AC belt needs attention.

2. Cracks on the AC belt

Another visual symptom that indicates the need to replace the AC belt is that cracks start to form on the belt. The longer a belt is in use, the more heat and wear it undergoes, which eventually leads to the belt drying out and cracking. The old belt will not hook properly and will actually be much more prone to breaking than a new belt. If cracks appear on the belt, it should be replaced.

3. Broken AC belt

Another obvious sign that the AC belt needs to be replaced is a broken one. Old belts will break simply because they are weakened by age and use. You may notice that the belt has broken because the air conditioner will not work when activated. A quick visual inspection of the belt should help determine if it is broken and needs to be replaced.

4. The impossibility of defrosting the windshield

Another less common symptom that indicates the need to replace the AC belt is a malfunctioning windshield defroster. The defrosters in some vehicles are connected to the air conditioning system, and the defroster requires the A/C compressor to operate in order to function. If the belt breaks or slips, neither the A/C compressor nor the defroster will work.

Although the AC belt is a very simple component, it is very important to the operation of the AC system. If you suspect that you may have a problem with the belt or need to replace the AC belt, this is something any professional technician can take care of, such as the specialist from AvtoTachki.