2 screeching sounds from my car, what are they?

Question

I noticed a couple of months ago that my car was screeching when I was driving and turning. On my drive home tonight, I could here it start screeching when I turned right, and then continuously for a couple of minutes then just stopped. Its quite a high pitch screech. It seems to be getting worse :(. Also, when I turn my air-con on in it screeches (sounds like when I needed a new fan belt, that got replaced about a year ago) It will stop screeching when I turn the air-con off, then when I turn it on again the screeching begins then it keeps going then stops. It only seems to do it when the cars not warmed up. I have no idea where either of the noises come from, can any one help?!
Thanks,
Arlene

Answer 1

Both screeches are coming from belts - the behavior is classic. You hear the power steering squeal when turning and the air conditioning squeal when it is turned on. Doing it mostly when cold is an early stage; eventually it will do it worse when cold but will still do it when warm. Rubber product, you know.



We could tell you in more detail if we knew make, model, and year, but the broad view is the same. The belt(s) that drive the power steering and air conditioner have to be replaced, and if the tensioner is an automatic (spring) type instead of a manual type it needs to be replaced too. Once a belt squeals it wears so rapidly there is no hope for it within minutes, even if it is brand new. Worn out belts these days look like good ones. The first source has a very good tutorial on modern belts.

Answer 2

More than likely the Brake wear indicators (little tab that lets you know you need to replace brake pads.) or a CV bearing in the front. Look under the car to see if the boot by the front wheels is torn. The screech under the hood could be the fan belt (again) and you can stop that with belt dressing spray.



Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Can't hear what screeching you're talking about, so can't diagnose, just guess.

See a mechanic.

Belt dressing only stops the screech, it doesn't do anything about the unlying problem causing the screeching.

See a mechanic.



Or you can just take the advice of someone who can't hear or see the engine but makes good GUESSES.