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Old Apr 20, 2026 | 12:43 AM
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Default Noisy AC compressor

Hi,
I replaced my.AC compressor about 12 yrs ago. Since put bout 40,000 miles. Replaced it with.OEM brand new at local dealer, lifetime warranty.Paid bout.$1200 then.
Compressor is much louder since install to the point that it sounds like griding coffee in an old machine. I can hear it from inside car, outside is ridiculous.
i hear OEM.is discontinued.
AC works great, belts new no.leaking oil.
Any ideas?
How noisy is too.noisy?
Thanks
98, 6 spd, 98,000 miles
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Old Apr 20, 2026 | 09:57 AM
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“Outside is ridiculous” sounds like it would cross the line for me. It’s O.E.M. with a lifetime warranty? My first thought is to see if the dealer will honor the warranty, and if so not worry too much about the replacement compressor. That said, I’d put better than even money on them saying you must also replace the condenser and drier at your cost.
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Old Apr 20, 2026 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by 2blklt4
Hi,
I replaced my.AC compressor about 12 yrs ago. Since put bout 40,000 miles. Replaced it with.OEM brand new at local dealer, lifetime warranty.Paid bout.$1200 then.
Compressor is much louder since install to the point that it sounds like griding coffee in an old machine. I can hear it from inside car, outside is ridiculous.
i hear OEM.is discontinued.
AC works great, belts new no.leaking oil.
Any ideas?
How noisy is too.noisy?
Thanks
98, 6 spd, 98,000 miles
What method did you use to confirm the compressor is the culprit and not a pulley or tensioner?
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Old Apr 20, 2026 | 03:19 PM
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Recently had all pulleys, tensioner,belts che ked and some replaced by a corvette guy. He said that some compressors are noisier than others and the older c3 models some are so loud makes mine quiet....
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Old Apr 20, 2026 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by 2blklt4
Recently had all pulleys, tensioner,belts che ked and some replaced by a corvette guy. He said that some compressors are noisier than others and the older c3 models some are so loud makes mine quiet....
Ok, well at this point the "corvette guy" has signifcantly more information than anyone on this forum does. I'm not sure what answers you expect, but you have not even posted a video.
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Old Apr 21, 2026 | 12:31 PM
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Being loud it's probably grinding metal and distributing that through the system. Not something you want to have continuing until it finally fails.
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Old Apr 21, 2026 | 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 2blklt4
Hi,
My AC is making funny noises and I have a lifetime warranty from the dealer
Sounds like it's time to go to the dealer! Agree with others that they may try to weasel their way into your wallet by saying other things need to be replaced too. But there will be more things to replace if the compressor grenades so I would take it in and get things sorted before it completely fails.
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Old Apr 21, 2026 | 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by 2blklt4
Recently had all pulleys, tensioner,belts che ked and some replaced by a corvette guy. He said that some compressors are noisier than others and the older c3 models some are so loud makes mine quiet....
The thing is: you've noted a large increase in noise volume. Regardless of whether C3 or Chrysler or other compressors are arguably louder the fact that your compressor noise has increased notably is not a good sign.
That said, Lucky makes a very good point in being sure it's the compressor actually at fault. Would really suck to go through a compressor rigmarole to end up with a bad waterpump bearing.
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Old Apr 21, 2026 | 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by redzg
The thing is: you've noted a large increase in noise volume. Regardless of whether C3 or Chrysler or other compressors are arguably louder the fact that your compressor noise has increased notably is not a good sign.
That said, Lucky makes a very good point in being sure it's the compressor actually at fault. Would really suck to go through a compressor rigmarole to end up with a bad waterpump bearing.
No noise until ac turn on.
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Old Yesterday | 11:55 AM
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I once had an AC with a bad pulley bearing that only made noise when the compressor was turned on. I was able to replace the pulley and the noise whet away.
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