I can also feel the engine hesitate when it does that! ... even on aceleration too!
Should i replace my belts!
Millage 41K
03 WRX

At 41K the belts should still be ok, as they are rated for a service life of 105K. That's not to say it's impossible for the AC belt to be slipping. However the cause may or may not be the belt itself. Possibilities- loose/worn belt, bad/partially seized AC compressor. You can inspect the belt easily enough for signs of looseness and/or glazing from slippage. Also, with the engine off, turn the center portion of the AC clutch by hand to see how easily the compressor spins. It should turn with some resistance but fairly smoothly although you'll feel the compression. If it's very hard to turn or frozen, that's your problem and you need the AC serviced.

I didn't change the belts on my 2000 Outback at 30K, but I noticed that they were getting pretty loud. They looked fine. No cracks, no apparent glazing, no slipping. I changed them at 45K and all the noise went away.

I had a tensioner (idler) pulley bearing fail once and it was whining with AC on, under increased load from the belt. The bearing isn't sealed, so it's not beyond imagination that it might fail. That was long ago, still under warranty, and I chose to take it in and then wished I didn't but that's another story.

Check this thread out...
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=516239

I have the same issue.

Peace,
Oquipah

Thank you guys for your input! :)

It's the birds they installed in the engine bay at the factory. ;)

Actually, my belts were worn by 60k so i replaced them. It only costs about $10-15 for both belts (depending on where you go) and it's about a 15-20 minute job to replace them (depending on your skill).

I too thought the belts were good out to 105k miles, but from the looks of it, you should replace them whenever the insides start to crack and dry up. I read somewhere that recommended replacing them every 60k miles (i can't remember what thread though) and that matches my experience.

The timing belt though is good out to 105k though.

I can also feel the engine hesitate when it does that! ... even on aceleration too!
Should i replace my belts!
Millage 41K
03 WRX

I thought i was at 41K im at 49K.. :lol: