When I turn on the A/C the compressor makes a noise that sounds like something is in need of lubrication. Kind of like a metal on metal squeal. When I turn the A/C off the sound stops. The A/C, when on, works well and blows cold air.

Any idea on what may be going on?

Thanks

 

I'd check the belts to make sure there's nothing obstructing them. My compressor made the same kind of sound right before it died and I had to get it replaced.

 

Sounds like compressor clutch going away. I'd replace compressor. Be sure to budget for all the ancillary costs involved as well, i.e. drier (mandatory), orifice tube, gaskets/o-rings, refrigerant, labor to flush system, etc.

 

Thanks for confirming what I thought was happening. This compressor is a replacement from the original compressor that was replaced under a service plan about 8 years ago. When it went the A/C just quit working. It didn't make any irregular noise, when it went, if my memory serves me well.

Budget isn't a major concern since it has to be repaired. What drives me nuts is that my tire air pressure sensors just quit after 13 years and my windshield washer fluid sensor just quit too. All this in the last three weeks! Oh, well I haven't spent a dime in repairs over the past 8 years so apparently my number came up!

 

One final note: I recommend giving serious consideration to using/installling either "ICE 32" additive, or a similar competitive product, come time to charge the system. It can be added after the fact (as I did), but it's better to install in a new, freshly charged system.

When I tell people that I have over 190,000 miles on my original compressor, refrigerant, and all related components, I sometimes get a skeptical reaction. In the interest of full disclosure, I have added (on two widely separated occasions), approx 1/2 can of refrigerant/additive mixture, and no more, after feeling as if my cold temps were not quite as "crisp" as would otherwise be the case.

Back in 2002, after having researched ICE 32 I decided, as a preventive maintenance measure, to have it installed in my otherwise perfectly normal 1999 system, that was cooling just fine at the time. Now, I'm not claiming "scientifically" it has made all the difference between my compressor's life being greatly extended or not, but one thing I CAN say with certainty is that it has not HURT my compressor (or other system components either). Personally, I am convinced it has greatly extended the life of my compressor, well beyond what would reasonably be considered an "average" life-span and I know the history of my '99 very well, as I am the original owner. The idea, or concept of it being a "super lubricant" (if you will), that allows the compressor to function much more efficiently (less internal friction/drag, etc), thereby extending it's life makes intuitive sense to me.

I don't take claims by most companies of being a "mechanic in a can" (my words) very seriously, as most are overblown hype or outright lies, but that does not mean there may NOT be a product whose claims actually DO have merit. I think ICE 32 is one of those, and apparently so do some other manufacturers, as there are now several competing products out there in the marketplace. Btw, despite my comments, I have NO connection to ICE 32 at all, in any way; I just like the product and will use it again.

HTH

 

Great info! Not to hijack but my 98 with just over 200k's compressor makes the metal noise after I turn it OFF. I have to refill it once a year, so there's a leak somewhere. Time to get it working again before it gets hot out

 

I'll request it when I have the compressor changed out.

Thanks.