Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting car makes weird noise when a/c on belt?

hey guys

I have 98 ford contour se 4cyl. I mostly notice this loud noise coming from belt area when a/c is on when u idle at stop sign or if its in park and a/c on i pop hood sounds like coming from belt, belt is tight was wondering maybe a pulley? Also notice when u turn wheels it sometimes goes away or gets worse any ideas before having take it to shop? thanks

If it is a squeeling sound, it could be a loose belt or tensioner.

If it is shrieking metallic sound, it could be the compressor clutch.

If it is a groaning sound, then check power steering. Check fluid level (reservoir on the passenger side strut tower). If level is fine, try bleeding it.

Power steering bleeding procedure.
Fill reservoir to max line. Start engine, turn steering wheel from lock to lock a few (maybe 5) times. This should purge the air in the system. If steering is still noisy, turn off ignition and leave vehicle overnight (maybe 10 hours). Then repeat the bleeding procedure again.

hey thanks for suggestion but only makes noise when a/c is on power steering fluid is full and have no trouble steering with car. Thinking even though belt looks fine maybe that pulley compressor or something in that ball park.