Any suggestions for tracing down the source of a squealing accessory drive belt? I have read many posts on this topic about replacing one part after another until it goes away, but there must be a smarter (and cheaper) way.
I suspect the A/C compressor (or clutch) and/or the automatic tensioner. The squeal comes immediately on engine startup, worst when the engine is cold, but goes away after 10-30 seconds and never comes back while running. It happens even if the A/C is not turned on, but if you wait til it stops then turn the A?C on, it may squeal again when the clutch engages.
The sound is most likely coming from the A/C pulley, but the clutch is engaging and the pulley is spinning and the A/C is still blowing cold. Drive belt is 1 yr/10k mi old and in good cond.
To me it seems either bad AC clutch or weak auto tensioner could cause it, any help testing those components before throwing $100 parts at it?
