AC compressor squeal

[JerryK]

They used to make a product called ' belt dressing '. After you put the proper tension on the belt by moving the pulleys, you poured the belt dressing onto the rubber belts/pulleys. Sounds kind of counter productive, but the liquid was real sticky and would help you get rid of the hard glazed surface of the worn belts... Usually getting all over you, too.... I still have some, but have not used any in 20 years or so...

 

[erkme73]

Update: It appears I found another thing for which Amazon is not well suited - and that's buying fan belts.

I ordered an A54 belt, which is what is visible on the original belt. That should be a 1/2 x 5/16 belt that is 54 ID. The OEM one is ribbed/notched. The new one isn't. While that likely doesn't matter, the new one is about 1/2" larger (diameter) than the original. Unfortunately, the original belt already had the tensioner nearly at the tightest level. There is not enough tightening left on the tensioner to take out the extra slack.

Looks like I'll have to visit a parts store with the original in hand.

After reinstalling the original, I tightened it up a bit more to kill the squeal - and that worked. But the longest section of the belt (between the crank pulley and the AC compressor pulley) is bouncing and vibrating like it's about to shred. I've also noticed that the compressor NEVER cycles off. It stays on the entire time the engine is running - whether at idle, or full throttle.

I wonder if that is abnormal? Or is it just the nature of the beast when the cab volume is too large or the insulation too poor to allow the system to reach shutoff.

 

[erkme73]

Well, after finding that the Amazon A54 doesn't match the Mahindra A54 belt, I opted to go for the A53, which is 1" smaller in diameter. Turns out that was a perfect fit. The tensioner adjustment bolt ended up in nearly the identical position as when the original belt was installed.

So, anyone looking to replace the AC belt on a 2555, this is the belt you need. Interestingly enough, in the 24 hours since I ordered it, the price of the belt dropped $2 - or about 30%. Go figure.

 

[Got2BTru]

When the belt started squealing last year on my 2555HST with CAB, we tightened it up first. That lasted a year and it's doing the same thing now this year....I'm looking to buy a belt, but it's not an off the shelf item!

 

[erkme73]

Perhaps not at your local auto store, but the A53 on Amazon is a PERFECT fit - and no more squealing!!

 

[Got2BTru]

The HST tractor puts out a lot of heat. On a 90 degree sunny day it won't get super cold in the cab, but it's not uncomfortable. I've been kicking around the idea of getting the windows tinted, as I think that would help a lot.

LOL...let me know what that runs you...I've been thinking the SAME thing! There have been days here in upstate NY that it's in the 80's, but being in that expansive glasshouse, it feels a LOT hotter! I wondered if tinting would help without visibility issues...

 

[Got2BTru]

Well, after finding that the Amazon A54 doesn't match the Mahindra A54 belt, I opted to go for the A53, which is 1" smaller in diameter. Turns out that was a perfect fit. The tensioner adjustment bolt ended up in nearly the identical position as when the original belt was installed.

So, anyone looking to replace the AC belt on a 2555, this is the belt you need. Interestingly enough, in the 24 hours since I ordered it, the price of the belt dropped $2 - or about 30%. Go figure.

Eerkme73 - did I understand you to say that the replacement belt did NOT have the cogs? I was able to get NAPA to order me an A54, but it had no cogs, so I didn't even try it...

 

[RAHarden]

I have a question for you folks with the 30 -55 hp cab tractors. Does the air conditioner do it’s job when its 90 - 100 degrees F outside? Does it keep you comfortable? Thanks

My a/c works so well, the windows on the cab get col and moisture forms on the exterior of the glass. I usually have to turn down the temperature control. I live in northern Illinois, an it does get hot, above 90.
My a/c belt took a crap on me yesterday, so now it doesn't work.

 

[RickB]

I hope they don't use a single A belt to drive that compressor. Almost enough reason to make a squeal right there.

 

[RAHarden]

I own a 2015 2555 HST with a cab. While using the tractor yesterday, I had the a/c turned on. The air felt cool. I shut the engine off for a few minutes and then restarted it. Suddenly, a loud noise came from the engine area. I shut the engine down to investigate. The a/c belt had jumped the a/c clutch pulley and was on the compressor side on the pulley. I removed the belt and most of the inner part of the belt had come off. Definitely in bad shape. My tractor has 308 hours. I haven't bought a new belt at this time, but I will and hopefully, that will fix the problem. I have many years experience on cars and small trucks. Usually, if this happens to a car or truck, it's a sign the a/c compressor is failing. I hope that's not the problem. With only 308 hours on the tractor, I would have hoped the a/c compressor would have lasted longer.