AC compressor squealing
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 510
Likes: 3
AC compressor squealing
When I put the AC on in my 1992, the compressor squeals loudly for a few seconds. It then squeals intermittently for a few minutes whenever the clutch engages. After the car warms up, it doesn't make noise.
Should I replace the compressor now?
If I wait, can I lose all the freon when the compressor eventually self destructs?
How much would this job cost?
Should I replace the compressor now?
If I wait, can I lose all the freon when the compressor eventually self destructs?
How much would this job cost?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Re: AC compressor squealing (trueblue92)
I'd look at the belt first.
As for the compressor, yes, when it launches, you aren't going to have any freon. I've had 2 launch on me. Second one was a part defect 1/2 mile from the dealership that worked on the car. Luckily, it was warrantied. I would wait until the compressor goes before replacing it. At that point, you could decide to go to R-134a or stay with R-12. I stayed with the R-12 as it cools better. South Florida with black interior, you need all the help you can get to try to stay cool.
:cheers:
As for the compressor, yes, when it launches, you aren't going to have any freon. I've had 2 launch on me. Second one was a part defect 1/2 mile from the dealership that worked on the car. Luckily, it was warrantied. I would wait until the compressor goes before replacing it. At that point, you could decide to go to R-134a or stay with R-12. I stayed with the R-12 as it cools better. South Florida with black interior, you need all the help you can get to try to stay cool.
:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: AC compressor squealing (trueblue92)
Might just be the a/c clutch or it could be the tensioner or even the wrong sized belt - try turning the outer hub of the clutch assembly by hand with the engine off. Should be minimal resistance. Check the air gap between the outer hub and the pulley with a feeler gauge. It should be .020. Greater than that, it can slip or make a loud clang when it engages. Less, and there will be a burning smell when it's disengaged. You don't have to discharge the system to replace the clutch, though I believe on the '92 & up it's a tight fit between the outer hub and the a/c lines. If it is the compressor, good idea to replace it before it seizes. Otherwise, you'll end up replacing additional components when metal is grenaded throughout the system.
