ongoing problem

[leadfoot]

There seems to be something wrong with several things that are belt driven on my 97 legacy, but I've changed the belts and had them adjusted twice now. It squeaks when I start it up (only for about 10 seconds), and gets louder when I turn the wheel. The alternator always seems to struggle (headlights dim when I step on the brake), and the AC just plain doesn't work. Any ideas? Related problems?


p.s. I'm going to hit 100,000 miles on the way home from work today. I have the camera ready :cool:

[Huffer]

First thing - the squeaking is probably your power steering belt. Check it again. If it squeaks it's slipping.

If the alternator is struggling, you are losing current somewhere, or it's on it's way out.

AC out - check to make sure the compressor comes on when you press the button - if it doesn't, the electrical switch could have failed, or the entire AC compressor is dead. If it comes on, but doesn't cool, check the hi/low pressure lines on the AC compressor - one should be cold. You might need to recharge the system - R134a refrigerant.

As for 100k...see my sig. ;)

[ca180]

yeah, when the a/c button is in the on position, the compressor should come on. one trick that i learned is to bypass the low pressure cutoff switch. I believe its the two wire connector on the top of the dryer unit (back me up if anyone knows). Unplug it frome the dryer, and stick a paper clip in it. If the compressor comes on, then your probably low on refrigerant. If not, then you might have a bad compressor clutch or comp. itself.

As for the power steering belt, i would tighten it up. When you turn the wheels you put more strain on the pump. This might be the fix for the squeeling.

[leadfoot]

wow thanks for the info... i'll tinker around with it tonight and see what I can find. Here's hopin for another 100k :wink: