AIR Pump Squeal
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
AIR Pump Squeal
Recently the AIR pump on my '93 started to squeal upon engine start for about 30 to 60 seconds. It stops after that. I have inspected the frame/body of the AIR and pulled the hoses to check for debris - all looks good. Is this a bad bearing/worn fan problem and I need a new AIR pump (about $180) or is there something else I can try to service?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: AIR Pump Squeal (mharrison)
At that price I'd try and fix it with an air pump eliminator bracket. Package up the air pump nicely for your smog inspections.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 893
Likes: 0
Re: AIR Pump Squeal (CentralCoaster)
At that price I'd try and fix it with an air pump eliminator bracket. Package up the air pump nicely for your smog inspections.
mharrison: Are you certain that price is for an electric AIR pump? The place that works on my car told me that they could not get a replacement electric pump because GM has some problem with the company that makes them. I haven't researched the issue further because I don't care that much about fixing it.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Re: AIR Pump Squeal (knp)
The place that works on my car told me that they could not get a replacement electric pump because GM has some problem with the company that makes them.
Also, has anyone tried to take the air pump apart and fix it?
Tom Piper
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West Az
Re: AIR Pump Squeal (Tom Piper)
Mine recently started the same thing about 6 months ago. I figured that since it runs only in open loop and then for a max. of 4 minutes, I was in no hurry. I haven't checked with Jeff Koop as of yet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,713
Likes: 3
From: Sachse Texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: AIR Pump Squeal (ittlfly)
Dealer raplaced our '93 AIR pump twice. Problem kept coming back after 3 Months or so. Car is out of waranty now and I just ignore it. I am sure there is something causing them to fail, but it is usually not too loud and shuts off when the car goes into closed loop. Wasn't worth hassling with Chevrolet service (like Govenment Intelligence) again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,410
Likes: 252
From: Little Elm TX
Re: AIR Pump Squeal (Vette92)
Mine squealed after I did some work on the radiator. I noticed one of the rubber cushions wasn't exactly in the holder. I loosened it up and repositioned it and it stop squealling. Might be something to check into.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: AIR Pump Squeal (mharrison)
Good comments, sounds like not a big issue. My AIR pump is indeed electric, located just under the left headlight. I only checked one online catalogue for the price, maybe some additional research needed to find the best deal. Everybody is right, the noise only lasts for a short time until it ges into closed loop and the pump shuts off. Its just one of those annoying/embarassing things when you fire up the vette in public and it is screaming...maybe I'll pull it off (just a couple of bolts and easy access) this weekend and see if it can be lubed or something. Thanks for the help
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
