Is my A/C compressor done for?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
Is my A/C compressor done for?
02 coupe, 6 speed. 98k miles
About last week I noticed my AC wasn't blowing cold, right about ambient outside temperature. It makes a metallic rattling noise when the AC is off and a howling noise (almost sounds like a supercharger) when the AC is turned on.
All of the buttons on HVAC work as they should, redirect air where its supposed to go, there's still a temp difference when you set the heat from say 80 to 90.
Am I right in thinking the compressor is toast. Only HVAC code I'm getting is about the inside air temp sensor
About last week I noticed my AC wasn't blowing cold, right about ambient outside temperature. It makes a metallic rattling noise when the AC is off and a howling noise (almost sounds like a supercharger) when the AC is turned on.
All of the buttons on HVAC work as they should, redirect air where its supposed to go, there's still a temp difference when you set the heat from say 80 to 90.
Am I right in thinking the compressor is toast. Only HVAC code I'm getting is about the inside air temp sensor
Last edited by CamoCJ5; Sep 23, 2015 at 02:41 PM. Reason: Info
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 352
Likes: 21
From: Norcross GA
Here's what mine sounded like before I replaced it. Made no sound when the A/C compressor was off and it still cooled fine with this noise. I reuined mine by leaving it on during a track event and immediately replaced it. I believe it is prudent to replace the filter/drier cannister and the orifice tube at a minimum and flush the system thoroughly. Replacing the evaporator as well may be necessary if there's compressor bits in the system.
https://youtu.be/_N-OQ834bFg
You might want to double check the tensioners if yours makes a noise with the A/C off as well. The A/C compressor was a bigger job than I expected. Good luck to you!!
https://youtu.be/_N-OQ834bFg
You might want to double check the tensioners if yours makes a noise with the A/C off as well. The A/C compressor was a bigger job than I expected. Good luck to you!!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
Replaced2 compressors in my car in the 8 years ive owned her. The first one actually went to toast. The 2nd one developed a leak after 6 years at what GM thought was a great design for seals with one bolt. I replaced that one myself just a month ago. Not a horrible job to do if your mechanically inclined.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
Well I replaced the water pump a few months ago, and the starter and alt 2 weeks ago. How bad is it compared to that? Any specialty tools required? Other than the recharge process, which I'd have a shop do
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 67
From: Bahama North Carolina
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...d.php?t=153172
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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since it sounds like your compressor is failing internally I would also replace the accumulator and orifice tube when you install the new compressor
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
. To the OP, these were 2 items I replaced as well. It would be foolish not to as one of these components can cause a failure if left over fragments of compressor aren't found. Especially the Orfice tube. This write up was done by RoccoC5. It was the one I followed. Very simple. I will say in my application, I went with PAG 150. Mine has been fine. I did the work and then drove my car to a reputable shop for the proper charging as I didn't feel like purchasing gauges. Being military and having a auto hobby shop on base, I only paid $40 for my charge up
Good luck! https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...eplacement.pdf
Last edited by ZZ06; Sep 25, 2015 at 10:15 AM.