Blake Brooks

A/c went out in my car over the weekend. Before it went out it was making a rattling sound that seemed to be coming from the compressor. Any chance I got lucky and this was just my belt, and not my compressor?

pjazz

Rattling sounds like bearings you might have to pay up. Mileage?

BlownGTP

x2

Has been blowing cold and just stopped this past weekend?

Blake Brooks

Yes. It was making the rattling noise but was still blowing ice cold air. I was driving and then it sounded almost like I ran something over and it hasn't been cooling since.

Blake Brooks

140k

bassman50

Even if the A/C was blowing cold prior to quitting, it is indeed possible that the compressor failed. More likely is the failure of the A/C clutch, but neither of these things is certain. Compressors generally fail catastrophically and often can seize up when they do, either throwing a belt or causing a LOT of other noise you'd most certainly hear. I'd have things checked out by a reputable shop to be sure.

Steve

Blake Brooks

Plan on probably having it looked at this weekend. Just trying to get an idea of how bad it's gonna hurt the wallet.

bassman50

Blake,

If it's just the clutch, things shouldn't be too bad (about $120 through places like Rock Auto). If you're able to do some of the work yourself, the compressor kit (includes expansion valve, condensor, and o-rings) runs about $350 - $475, depending on manufacturer. Also, you'd want to replace the receiver-dryer; when a compressor grenades itself, it generally puts metal bits all through the system. Hope this info helps.

Steve

BlownGTP

I know that. That's why I asked because I had the same issue with a car and it blew cold but the compressor failed not long after.

Then I had one that ran low on refringent and failed too.

pjazz

I paid around 1300 for my C5 can't remember the exact amount but it included the whole kit condenser etc. They also replaced the waterpump since it was all apart.