any luck with your noise at start up? MIne is doing the same thing, has been since I got back in July, just haven't had time to mess with it. Mine does it when starting with the A/C-defrost on, if I cycle the a/c off the squeel goes away. If I let it run for a few sec's before kicking the a/c-defrost on there is no squeel. I'm wondering if it isn't a bad a/c compressor or bearing. Any ideas?

 

If your squeal is at start up with the heat on It's very very likely that your AC pulley bearing is bad. I replaced mine and now everything is quiet. There's a guy on Feebay who sells them for about $15. Takes about 1/2 hour to do the job.
Starting it with the defrost off will allow things to warm up but it's not making the problem go away. Order yourself a new bearing, follow the ordering directions carefully or call the guy and install it. Unless you have toasted your compressor it will solve the problem. My brother's '00 had the issue for quite a while and his compressor is junk. Get the bearing and save your compressor. NO I'm not the feebay vendor. For the cost I'd do it first before you buy other stuff to throw at it. Cheaper than a belt and cheaper than an idler pulley. Just as easy as either one. BTW you need a good pair of snap ring pliers to do the job.

 

My problem is with the A/C-defrost on, not the heater/vent. Thats what I'm leanign towards atm.......compressor bearing, thx

 

YEAH!!!
Ah gotta start somwhere right. Sounds like frozen joints to me too. As for the squeeling dunno about all the crazy stuff you were describing, I would think it to be alternator if it were me.

 

As for the squeeling dunno about all the crazy stuff you were describing, I would think it to be alternator if it were me.
Not crazy if you have replaced everything trying to find a solution. Last thing was the AC bearing. Shoulda done it first. Learn or spend lots of $$ you pick

 

lol, thanks for the advie guys. Much appreciated. Gonna take a look at all of these suggestions when things start to warm up a bit in illinois.

 

How about just a loose/worn serpentine belt?? this would cause a squeal and tight steering and poor alt performance