compressor question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 7
From: Bowling Green KY
compressor question
As I am handy, but not tremendously experienced I wanted to ask a question of you. I have a very slight whirring sound coming from the engine. When I first got the car it was pretty noticeable so I changed the balancer pulley, and it got quieter, then the idler, and it seemed quieter (maybe wishfull hearing?) but it was still there. I changed a perfectly good alternator, which really cut down the noise, but it is still there. Now the only thing it could be is the compressor. I'm sure that it is the problem because when I turn it on, it is quiet again. The compressor still does a great job but just needs some grease or lube or something somewhere on some bearing. Is this possible to do on the car? or do I just live with it until I have the time and money to replace it?
Thanks for all of your help. Each repair I've done was because one of you helped.
Thanks for all of your help. Each repair I've done was because one of you helped.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Broadway Virginia
Take the belt off, then with the engine OFF spin the compressor pulley by hand to see if there is any roughness or excessive play.
If the noise goes away with the A/c compressor clutch engaged, but is present with the a/c compressor clutch disengaged, that tells me the bearing may be whining /singing when the clutch is disengaged and should be inspected for either being worn out or lacking grease.
If so, the bearing could probably be replaced separately, without having to replace the whole clutch, BUT you may want to replace the clutch and bearing as a complete unit depending on how many miles you have.
Process of elimination.
If the noise goes away with the A/c compressor clutch engaged, but is present with the a/c compressor clutch disengaged, that tells me the bearing may be whining /singing when the clutch is disengaged and should be inspected for either being worn out or lacking grease.
If so, the bearing could probably be replaced separately, without having to replace the whole clutch, BUT you may want to replace the clutch and bearing as a complete unit depending on how many miles you have.
Process of elimination.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 7
From: Bowling Green KY
I've only got 50,000 miles on her. It's definitely the bearing though. Not a big thing as it shuts right up when the A/C is on. I'm hoping to either fix this myself or find someone to do it as the compressor itself is fine. I'll work on that after I fix my miss, and change my exhaust...
