I went out to my car today and rolled down the window to air it out. I started to go down the parking garage with the A/C on and the windows down and I heard this rather audible sqeaking sound. It only happened when I was on the gas (when I was coasting with the clutch in there was no noise). And then without the A/C on there was also no noise (despite being on the gas or not). The squeaking wasn't that long fan belt squeal that you hear so often with older cars. The pattern more like two people bumping uglies on an old bed. I drove awhile, and then listened for it again when I got back to the garage and no longer heard it. Any clue what it could be? Loose belts, compressor? I have noticed the last week or two people that I pass on the street turning around and looking at my car (like they hear it coming), and frankly my exhaust isn't that loud. I don't want a ghetto squeaky ride
i would check the belt first. that is probably the easiest thing. all the bolts are easy to get to, if you do have to tighten things up.
AC belt most likely. Rule of thumb is that if its getting squeaky and you've got more than 40k~50k on the belt, time for a new one.
I'm guessing that an AC belt replacement isn't part of the 60k checkup? If not, then yeah, I probably just need a new one.
I was able to get mine to stop squeaking by tightening it a bit. I plan to change the belts with the timing belt at 90K unless something happens before that.
Belt couldn't be more than $30. If you are inclined to DIY, this would be pretty easy. I would guess less than 30 minutes and that is conservative. If a dealer would charge you just .5 labor time - $50+ belt.