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Old Nov 6, 2012 | 01:31 PM
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Default A/C compressor

The compressor is making a noise and it sounds like the bearings are shot. Does that usually necessitate replacing the complete unit or is there parts that can be replaced to keep the cost down?

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Old Nov 6, 2012 | 02:36 PM
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That's a bad indication that you need to R&R the complete unit.

Let me edit to say, you aren't getting out cheap, cause it's already old and even "IF" you fix one bad bearing it's going to explode somewhere else.

Last edited by sfc rick; Nov 6, 2012 at 02:39 PM.
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Old Nov 6, 2012 | 02:42 PM
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It could be one of the two idler / tensioner pulleys on the belt that drives the a/c ... (thinking positive)
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Old Nov 6, 2012 | 03:43 PM
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Thanks sfc rick and dataporter for your replies. I just went outside to check it again and I'm not so sure it is the compressor. You can hear the noise inside the car. At first I thought it was the blower motor but this noise goes up when the RPMs go up. You only hear it when the defrost button is on. Under the hood I can hear the noise at the firewall.

Last edited by ROCKnROLL; Nov 6, 2012 at 03:51 PM.
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Old Nov 6, 2012 | 04:34 PM
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I had to R&R my compressor this summer, and I've got the old one yet. If you find it to be the clutch assembly, I would be willing to send you mine. It in fact did work, but leaked where the two halves come together. It could be rebuilt with a kit. You can have it if you want.

A new compressor isn't as much as you might think. I think mine was only $230 or so. Did the install myself (not very fun), did my own recharge, and was on my way, after replacing all the other parts of the ac too!
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Old Nov 6, 2012 | 10:29 PM
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I also hear a noise when the a/c is on. I do not hear anything outside the car. It also does not make this noise all the time but when it does I can hit the off button and it stops. I know its not the fan motor because I never hear it when its just the fan blowing....any help would be appreciated......thanks
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Old Nov 7, 2012 | 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by jteeup9
I also hear a noise when the a/c is on. I do not hear anything outside the car. It also does not make this noise all the time but when it does I can hit the off button and it stops. I know its not the fan motor because I never hear it when its just the fan blowing....any help would be appreciated......thanks
same here...it goes away after a while...weird....been doing this for a couple seasons...just let it go and it will fix itself!
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Old Nov 7, 2012 | 10:05 AM
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For those whos noise comes and goes, you may not have a full charge of r134a and pag oil. If the noise goes away or changes when shut off, its the compressor. I would not attempt to rebuild any of these units and doe not know of any shops that will.
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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 07:20 PM
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a good mechanic should be able to tell if it is the tensionor (not likely) or the clutch. If you park in the garage and the noise is loud try shutting off the ac and that will give you an indication, real loud, clutch. The bad clutch will require a change of the whole compressor. Stay away from rebuilts. The dealer wanted $1100.00 and i found a good local shop (not corvette shop) and had it installed for $685.00 plus about $150 for various stuff.
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