Squealing from Engine Bay [Listen to the video]
 

I heard a couple of squeaks last week when I drove it, but it stopped.

Then today on the way back home from work, consistent squeal. Sounds like it's coming from the compressor (driver side) area.

No CEL, no driveability issues.

Listen and let me know what you think it is: https://youtu.be/j6YbfhR-f8g

Either the belt is on its way out or the alternator bearing is dodged

Take the belt off and see if the noise goes away. Also spin all pulleys by hand and listen for a bad bearing. It could also be a worn tensioner not putting out enough tension on the belt causing it to slip and in turn causing the squealing sound.

Spray the belt with wd40. If it goes away momentarily you will know it’s the belt itself. If not then you will have to take the belt off and check each pulley as already suggested. If it’s one of the accessory then it’s gonna be harder to pin point. I would put my money on of the idler pulleys. Belt squeak it’s usually higher pitched.

I just sprayed it wither WD40 and with water, no change.

Going to probably drop it off somewhere to have t diagnosed. Hoping its just the belt though.

Screw taking it somewhere lol.

If you have jack stands get the car up in the air and take off the belly pan. Have someone start the car or you could do it yourself and listen for the noise with a long screwdriver. Put the screwdriver end on each pulley and accessory being careful not to get it caught on the belt. Put the handle part of the screwdriver up against your ear. Once you think you pin pointed the culprit pulley or accessory making the noise, take off the belt. Then spin the suspected pulley/accessory by hand and listen/look for grinding, a cockeyed pulley and a feeling of hard to turn.

Since the price of everything is going up save some money by not having to pay someone diagnosis and labor to install the new part. Also, I'd replace all idler pulleys, belt tensioner and the belt if you got some miles on your car and your going to be in there anyways.

Just to further everyone's knowledge, I have had bad belts not sound more like a growl and not a squeal.

Kevin just replaced all my bearings the other week... not sure what his workload looks like currently but he can definitely help you out.

The diagnosis came back as a bad tensioner and idler pulley. The belt was fine, but I am going to replace it anyways.

$877 for parts and labor -- ouch. I'm short on time, so out comes the wallet.

Who's Kevin?

All the tensioners and idlers are expensive.

Austin Z Clinic