Hello all,
I have yet another mysterious problem with my '91 244. Occasionally my car will make this horrific squeaking noise, which sounds exactly like a bad A/C compressor that's turned on. However my a/c compressor is frozen, and my mechanic says that it's the V belt that is making the sound, so it's no big deal because the belt is still stiff and has a lot of life left in it. I was just curious to see what you fellow 240 enthusiasts thought the problem would be...The squealing sound is only made from when my car is at a dead stop (Like sitting at a traffic light) and goes away after the car is above 40MPH. However if I drive below 40MPH the squealing does go away eventually, usually after a minute or two. If I put the car in neutral when it's squealing (It's an auto. trans), the squealing stopps, but it will start squealing again if I rev. on the gas, and it of course squeals when I put the car back into gear which would lead me to think that my mechanic is right, and it's not a problem with the transmission? It's common for the car to squeal when the engine block is not completely warm, and when it's raining/snowing out. However it does occasionally squeal on normal sunny days too..haha. And yes my mechanic said it was okay if I sprayed WD-40 on the belt (Eep...I'm still not to keen on doing this) to make the squealing go away, which it sometimes does. But I think the WD-40 plays no part in helping the squeal. I'm planning on driving this car from Rhode Island to Maine next weekend and I'm just making sure that this squeal is nothing serious, for it only squeals at lower speeds. Thanks guys!

Sounds like alternator belts are not tight enough.

Enjoy.
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84, 242GLTi, 167K, 4+OD, still in rehab; 89, 245 DL, 321K, M 47, daily driver; 93, 245, auto, 167K ; and other toys.

If your AC Compressor is seized, do you still have a belt running to it? If so you might want to eliminate the belt going to it. When I bought my 240 two years ago this had already been done. My Volvo mechanic advised me that this is not a problem despite the fact that two belts normally drive the alternator. Definitely stay away from the WD-40; it is a penetrant and will shorten the life of your belt. Their are spray on belt dressings which help the belt(s) grip the pulleys and work pretty well. When running one alternator belt I highly recommend changing it every two years (Trust me on this one). Your problem should be solved with cleaning up your pulleys with a solvent, replacing your belt, and a little belt dressing if needed. The alternator belt can be very tempermental. It will definitely need some seasonal tightening.

The belts may just need a seasonal tightening.
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-------Robert, '93 940t, '90 240 wagon, '84 240 diesel (she's sick) , '80 245 diesel, '86 740 GLE turbo diesel, '92 Ford F350 diesel dually

If the a/c compressor is seized, the p/s pump drive will be OK as long as the a/c clutch remains disengaged. That allows that pulley to spin without connection to the a/c compressor rotor. If the clutch is "iffy", tht MIGHT be the problem.

Another source could be the harmonic balancer. As they fail (I have on, too) the outer drive pulley begins to slip on the rubber ring. Makes a very audible squeal. Things that change the load on the addessory drive belts can affest the squeal.

Alternator load is high right after a cold or long start, since it is working harder to replace the charge. That's especially true if you start and immediately turn on electric loads, like headlights, rear window demist, heater blower, seat heaters, etc.

Low speed sharp turns raise the p/s pump load.

You might be able to determine if the noise is a failing balancer by veying the load.

Check the alignment of the alternator and a/c compressor belts, too. Look from the side, engine off or on. The pulley must be in the same plane as the belt. Accessory bushings get worn and flattened over time, allowing the p/s pump or alternator to get out of line. Belt dressing is a short term patch.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

WD 40 is not good for belts at all(Even says it on the can). Eventually it will rot the rubber. Use belt dressing. I suspect that the problem is more likely the flywheel on the ac compressor. If your not going to replace the compressor remove it and buy the AC compressor bypass kit. It has a longer belt that goes straight to the PS pump.

Not going to work on a '91...
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forums.turbobricks.com

....okay??