Toyota echo a/c belt squeal with a/c OFF!?

howdy-i have a 2001 echo that last winter burned off the a/c belt. at the time, the a/c compressor pulley didn't move by hand at all. i thought perhaps there was moisture within the compressor that froze which fried the belt. to get thru the winter, i used a smaller belt and bypassed the compressor. this summer i installed the appropriate belt for a/c. on occasion, about every day, sometimes 2-3 times per day for about 5-10 seconds per episode, the a/c belt squeals loudly, usually at idle or low speeds and sometimes while turning. this happens with the a/c on or totally off. any idea on my problem??? thanks, rick

Toyota echo a/c belt squeal with a/c OFF!?
As you know, you have to have the belt in order to run the alternator and water pump. You don’t necessarily have to have the a/c compressor or a/c, so sometimes the belt runs without the compressor running. In order to do that, there is a clutch on the front of the compressor that cuts the compressor on and off. When it is off, the belt still has to turn, so there is a bearing in that pulley that allows the pulley to “freewheel.” It is part of the a/c clutch assembly. If the bearing fails and seizes, the pulley will cease to turn, causing the belt to squeal like crazy. The assembly is available without the compressor from Toyota for a little over $300, and you need one. Yes, you can find an aftermarket compressor for less that comes with the clutch, but I have never had the first success with aftermarket a/c components. A/c work is EXPENSIVE, so you just have to decide if it is worth it. Sorry for the bad news.
Reply:Could be the bearing in the ac motor,try spraying the belts with shure grip first.