Condenser Leak Causing Fan Belt Squeak??

[tsj44122]

My 2005 Town and Country has 130k+ miles. The engine has been squeaking, and I assumed that a belt was worn and needed replacing. The dealer confirmed that the serpentine belt was worn.

After authorizing the belt replacement, the dealer now claims that the a/c condenser is leaking "fluid" (supposedly transmission fluid) onto the serpentine belt and that the leaking fluid is also causing the squeak.

Having done some research, I think I understand that the transmission cooler is intergrated into the a/c condenser (so there could be a liquid leak). However, I also think that the condenser is physically located in front of the radiator. So, I am having trouble understanding how a condenser leak could result in fluid finding its way onto the serpentine belt. Am I missing something?

Assuming there is a small leak in the transmission fluid cooler portion of the condenser, how big a problem is the leak? For example, can I just keep an eye on the transmission fluid level?

Thanks in advance of your comments!

[ATOMANT]

A lot of times a squeaky belt can be caused by a faulty tensioner. If the oil is leaking onto the belt then that leak absolutely must be fixed if you want a good car. Its not the condensor leaking trans oil. The condensor is for the A/C and it can leak oil, but only a tiny amount untill the refrigerant runs out, then it cant leak anymore.

[Hankster]

the a/c condensor has the transmission cooler built into the bottom of it on the 2005 and newer vans. Im not sure if the 2004 is also included.
Hank

[tcwagner1]

I do not think that is possible. If it is "chirping" suspect the tensioner and there is also an idler pulley. If transmission fluid is leaking you will see a red leak, if you see an AC oil leak, it will just be an oil spot. Look at the connections for the hoses, that is likely the only places you will leak. Get a second opinion at another dealer and don't tell them what the other guy said. A quick way to tell if it is the bearing or the belt is to take a squirt bottle of water and spray on the tensioner pulley, if it quiets it momentarily, it is the belt. If not, it is the bearing. In rare cases, the power steering pump can be misaligned and the belt will squeal on the side of the pulley. It has to be shimmed out to stop it. Also the bearing for the alternator is a possibility, a mechanics stethescope will isolate the noise.

[tsj44122]

Thank you for the information. Given the configuration of the condenser, I simply could not see how a "leak" there would result in fluid dripping on the belt.

[Hankster]

Sounds unlikely. Is there any oil leaking from the bottom of the condensor? I would think that it would be leaving oil spots on your driveway if it was leaking.
Hank