A/C Compressor Bearing
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Joined: May 2002
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From: herndon va
A/C Compressor Bearing
I've been reading to try and find the cause of a grinding noise in my 2005 corvette coupe and the only thing that seems to match is the bearing in my ac compressor. If the A/C is turned on there will a vibration I can feel around 1500-1700rpm when pushing in the clutch. There is also a sound as well. Turn off the A/C and everything is fine.
Two posts seem to point to a bearing for the compressor.
Is this bearing replaceable or is it integral to the compressor? If so, anyone know a part number and maybe a procedure? I don't see anything on the web showing a replaceable bearing, but that doesn't mean it can't be done.
Any help would be very appreciated.
(BTW, a/c works great. vehicle stays nice and cold, clutch seems to engage/disengage etc.)
Two posts seem to point to a bearing for the compressor.
Is this bearing replaceable or is it integral to the compressor? If so, anyone know a part number and maybe a procedure? I don't see anything on the web showing a replaceable bearing, but that doesn't mean it can't be done.
Any help would be very appreciated.
(BTW, a/c works great. vehicle stays nice and cold, clutch seems to engage/disengage etc.)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,113
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From: Pottsboro; Sometimes Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '12
I think the bearings in a/c compressor are machine pressed and likely you will have to replace it w/rebuilt one. It could be clutch in compressor as well. Although at that rpm the clutch not likely I think....I'm NO expert. Someone else will chime I'm sure.....
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Joined: May 2002
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From: herndon va
Darn, I was hoping that wasn't the answer. Looks like I'll be rolling the windows down a lot this summer 
Anyone have a list of parts I'll need to get for someone to do this job? I'm guessing this will need to have some refrigerant work done, so i'll be letting an expert do the work and just provide the parts.
Anyone have a list of parts I'll need to get for someone to do this job? I'm guessing this will need to have some refrigerant work done, so i'll be letting an expert do the work and just provide the parts.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 392
IF,,,,, you want to replace any ball or roller bearing, you measure the outer diameter, the width, and the hole diameter, usually in MM. Must be accurate measurement with dial or digital calipers. When you know the size and details about the bearing, ( sealed sides, ceramic, stainless, mount style, etc ) any bearing supplier can supply it to you.
But, as stated above, replace the complete unit, if it has been vibrating, other internal damage is possible.
But, as stated above, replace the complete unit, if it has been vibrating, other internal damage is possible.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,131
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From: Houston Tx
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 413
From: Phoenix, AZ
I'm still having this issue and it's about time I fix it. Why did your mechanic recommend to replace the AC condenser too? I was only going to replace the AC compressor since the bearing is going bad and leading to the drive train vibration.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 16
From: Sugarhill Ga
yes the bearing can be replaced. all you need is a press. the bearing needs to be pressed out then you can go to a parts store and match up the number. unless you are really bored, just buy a new compressor.
as far as why a mechanic told you a condenser is needed, that is only to pad the repair order unless the compressor has failed and metal has gone into the system. if that happened the entire system needs to be opened up and the lines need to be flushed out. the condenser can not be flushed because the veins are so small that they trap the debris but it can not be flushed. you will also be required to change the accumulator.
as long as the system still cools and you only have a clutch issue, change the compressor (buy a good one) and call it a day. any monkey can change it in 2 hours. the easiest way is to pull the coolant hose and t-stat and slide it up and out.
as far as why a mechanic told you a condenser is needed, that is only to pad the repair order unless the compressor has failed and metal has gone into the system. if that happened the entire system needs to be opened up and the lines need to be flushed out. the condenser can not be flushed because the veins are so small that they trap the debris but it can not be flushed. you will also be required to change the accumulator.
as long as the system still cools and you only have a clutch issue, change the compressor (buy a good one) and call it a day. any monkey can change it in 2 hours. the easiest way is to pull the coolant hose and t-stat and slide it up and out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 912
Likes: 52
From: Mech. pa
When you replace the compressor you should replace the filter/drier also.
I would not recommend rebuilding the compressor yourself. I would also try to have a new not rebuilt compressor installed. The last one I replaced was a napa part. It is only necessary to replace the condenser if it is leaking. $1800.00 sounds about right.Eventually the system will lose its charge at the carbon seal in front of the compressor. If the noise does not bother you,you can buy R-134a and recharge the system your self when it stops working. The bearing will eventually seize stalling the motor.You then turn off the a/c to restart and make it home. Any refrigerant leak leaves a oil stain at that area,so you may see oil around the front of your compressor.
I would not recommend rebuilding the compressor yourself. I would also try to have a new not rebuilt compressor installed. The last one I replaced was a napa part. It is only necessary to replace the condenser if it is leaking. $1800.00 sounds about right.Eventually the system will lose its charge at the carbon seal in front of the compressor. If the noise does not bother you,you can buy R-134a and recharge the system your self when it stops working. The bearing will eventually seize stalling the motor.You then turn off the a/c to restart and make it home. Any refrigerant leak leaves a oil stain at that area,so you may see oil around the front of your compressor.
