Had been getting a growl from the AC compressor at idle speeds. Figured it was not good but it went away off idle. Now I'm getting belt squeal. How should I interpret this? I'm thinking imminent seizure of the compressor?

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Try increasing the belt tension.

If it does it at idle with no AC selected, suspect the clutch bearing. If it only does it with AC on, suspect oil/charge/compressor/belt issues.

__________________
James Marriott
2003 Buick Regal
1983 300D (228k, frau Auto)
1996 Suburban K2500 (192k, 6.5 turbo diesel/4WD towmaster 10,000)
www.engineeringworks.biz
1987 300SDL junker 170k
1982 300SD junker, 265k

Goes away with AC off. Loose belt is the optimistic interpretation I thought the growling was related. AC is cooling fine.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I similar symptoms. Compressor made a low frequency,roaring sort of sound. Tightening the belt made the noise stop. (There have been a number of similar reports on this forum.) My compressor was still working after 24 years when I replaced it as a preventive measure when I retrofitted to R-12.