Fwd: A/C compressor screech

[Sandy Duffy <sandyduffy@home.com>]

You wrote:
>The A/C compressor makes an unpleasant, half-second screech most 
>of the time it engages at highway speeds. 3000 rpm is the breakpoint: 
>below that, it's silent, and above that, it's pretty regular. But since we're
>driving through Montana, it's a shame not to take advantage of the 
>"reasonable and prudent" speed limit.

>How concerned should I be? I just had the system charged last week (back
>in Rhode Island) and it's been good and cold since then. I hope I'm not on
>my way to a new compressor. Thanks for all advice, as always.

Wallace:

I had exactly the same problem with my 87 5KTQ.  Turned out the drive belt
was toast.  Replaced it 45K miles ago...No problem since.  Come to think of
it, I'll probably go get a new one this weekend and replace it
again...preventative maintenance.

HTH

Sandy