Squeak when A/C or defroster vent selected

[FlyinHigh]

Hi,

I have a 2011 Mazda 3 GX. There is a squeak when I have the A/C on or the defroster vent is selected. It is a single squeak that happens every 20-30 seconds. It happens only on certain vent settings, the windshield/defroster...or any vent setting with the A/C on. I'm wondering what this can be and how to fix it. Any help is appreciated.

[morganc]

It's the A/C belt squeaking everytime the A/C clutch kicks in. There is no tensioner on this belt (it's a one-time use stretch belt) so as it gets old, it loses tension. Replace it if you want, but otherwise, you're fine for a while yet.

[arsin225]

I have the same problem. I hear it when I let off the throttle too, mostly happens when AC is set to max cool. I couldn't figure it out and eventually thought the A/C clutch is wearing, still blows well though.

I've passed by other 3's hatches and sedans on hot days and heard them squeak too. For reference I started hearing this sound around 85k. I tried checking if the belt has too much slack, but I don't have the eyes of a mechanic to figure that out. Any tips?

[RetroLite]

It might be that the AC Clutch has rust behind it, you can either take off the but yourself and pull it off without affecting the belt or removing the belt as its on the actually bearing and doesn't need to be removed. And clean the back side of the clutch with sand paper but don't lose the washers behind the clutch as they are important in adding enough space so the clutch isn't engaging when not needed. Or you can have a shop look at it for you and do the same procedure.


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[FlyinHigh]

Just an update...I changed the AC belt. No change. It's still squeaking. I'll try getting at the rust, if there is any.

[Flagrum_3]

Just an update...I changed the AC belt. No change. It's still squeaking. I'll try getting at the rust, if there is any.

Have you tried to determine where the squeak is coming from? Is it from under the hood or under the dash for example.


_3

[morganc]

I have put many new belts on mine and 3/4 have been squeakers from new. It's a bad design from Ford. The brand that's been rock solid for me has been the Continental/Contitech belts. Also, you could try spraying some belt dresser on it.