Sorry guys, I've been chasing this noise for awhile and I think I might be close..

I can hear the hissing/squealing noise when the a/c clutch engages. Like I said, when it disengages, it stops.

Now, tell me the bad news: Compressor, clutch, pulley... I'm not too familiar with all of the parts that are down there so any help is appreciated. Anyone else had this problem?

 

I would assume you already checked the belt? If it's not the belt, them it's probably the comprressor. If the AC workinf when you engage the clutch? If so, it's probably a beearing going out in the compressor.

 

It goes away as the car warms up. The belts are brand new and the a/c works fine.

 

How's the tension on the AC belt? Buddy just had his tensioner freeze up so the belt slips.

 

The tension appears to be fine. I can't find a spring wear indicator like on the serpentine tensioner though so who knows. Is there any real way to test the a/c tensioner?

 

Help me understand the concept here: When the A/C clutch engages, that means that the clutch seperates the condensor from the belt (A/C off). When the A/C clutch disengages, it means that your condensor is now connected to you belt (A/C on). Many people get it mixed up... So if this is indeed what you mean than you are hearing a squeel from under the hood that goes away when you turn the A/C on. I had this same problem - it was the A/C condensor bearing. After replaceing it (along with other connected items) the problem was gone.

If you mean that you hear squeeling only when the A/C is ON, than it still might be your bearing, however I would still continue down the belt path...

NOTE: I have an LT1 but I am guessing the systems are similar...

 

Your terms are a little off. The condensor is the radiator-type apparatus that goes in front of your radiator. Your compressor is what is belt-driven. And the compressor and belt are always attached.

When the clutch engages, the compressor starts compressing, and a/c starts working. When it disengages, the exact opposite happens.

Now my problem is that there's a squeal underneath there somewhere and I cannot fish it out. I posted to see if anyone else has had the problem or knows a possible fix. I appreciate the reply(ies) though.

 

I'll give you that one! My bad.
Yes they are always connected...the same way that your transmission is always connected to your engine. But the clutch determines whether or not they are "really connected" if you get what I am saying.
I beg your pardon. Upon cross-checking several sites, I now realize that I have been mixing the terms up for years! Wow... I guess I shouldn't speed read over some terms when I read though tech articles anymore... What are you going to tell me next? Automatic trannies use planetary gears?? I guess this is what I get for drifting out of my LT1 forum!