A few days ago I started noticing a really high pitched screeching sound coming from the car. I noticed it happens even when it's parked so I popped the hood and it seems to be coming from the engine bay near the pulleys/belts/tensioners etc. It seems to be worse when the A/C is off and fan speed set at 0. The sound almost sounds like brakes squeeling with aggressive track pads etc. Anyone else encounter this problem before? Car is stock drivetrain wise.

 

Loose belts.

 

Yup...tighten up the belts...and use a bit of belt dressing...helps too!

 

+1

There are two locations to tighten up the belts....it may only be the main belt....this is adjusted at the alternator. Doesn't sound like the AC belt is involved.

 

It doesn't sound like the normal crappy old car belt squeel it's kind of a metallic raspy squeeling sound. Also it doesn't make sense that it would make it LESS with the a/c on. Any idea on how to tighten the belts?

 

Did a little more looking around and I think it's the a/c pulley. When I turn the a/c on it goes away for the most part. When the a/c is off it looks like the pulley is still trying to spin a bit but barely moving and probably has a bearing inside stuck/going out.

 

The adjustments are pretty obviious...for the alternator one, it is right on top.....looks like a black slider/adjustment...just get a socket and turn it. You'll notice immediately if you are going the wrong way...if so, just reverse your turns.

The other adjustment is above the lowest right pulley (when looking at the engine from the front. Same idea, there is a bolt that you can use a socket on to tighten.

 

By the way, I took a look and it seems like the pulley for the a/c compressor slightly moves/freespins even when the a/c unit is off and I think that is what's causing the metal on metal scraping/screech noise. Anyone else experienced this? Wondering if there's a fix or just something I need to tighten before I leave it at the dealer for a week.