A/C Compressor Belt Removal?

Jukelemon · 10-05-09, 04:31 PM

Hi all.

My compressor is making noise. Not sure what it is.

Sounds like a squeky belt but more pronounced like a bearing.

When I spray a lubicant on the pulley, goes away for a day or so.

So, couple of questions:

What do you think?

Would it hurt if I took off the belt for the winter-it is always louder when it gets cold.

Thanks

toyrunner · 10-05-09, 05:59 PM

I change belts yearly. That way, I prevent failure on the road.
I have found the belts make squealing noises when they approach their life cycle.
Change it and forget it.
If you want to remove it, no harm from that as long as it is only running the A/C.

hardontoyotas · 10-05-09, 06:14 PM

if the a/c is tied it to your defrost you may not want to remove the belt. you may just want to replace it.

Jukelemon · 10-05-09, 07:57 PM

Belt has 15k miles on it. OEM Toyota. If it is shot, I am disappointed in the belt.

The Defroster is a good point. I need that here in KY-very humid.

KLF · 10-06-09, 05:50 AM

It could be that the bearing in the electric clutch is done. Does the noise go away when you turn the AC on?

I completely rebuilt my AC compressor a few years ago (PITA job BTW), and it rewarded me by still leaking. So I tore the whole system out, don't miss it at all. I'm sure the clutch is still good, I'll send it to you if you wanna try swapping it. You can swap it with the compressor still in the truck, no need to have to drain the R12.

Jukelemon · 10-06-09, 04:59 PM

I am torn. I think it is the clutch. BUT that would not jive with spraying lube on the pulley and the noise going away. Right?

So, IF it is the clutch, you think the noise should go away?

I can try that...hang on....

OK, actually it gets a little louder when I put on A/C.

MattF · 10-06-09, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jukelemon

I am torn. I think it is the clutch. BUT that would not jive with spraying lube on the pulley and the noise going away. Right?

So, IF it is the clutch, you think the noise should go away?

I can try that...hang on....

OK, actually it gets a little louder when I put on A/C.

Spraying WD-40 or similar on a squeaky A/C clutch does usually quieten it for a while. 98 percent on it being the clutch.

Jukelemon · 10-06-09, 07:58 PM

Well, it sounds like a bearing to me.

Can you rebuild the clutch or lube the clutch?

KLF · 10-06-09, 08:32 PM

Take a look at the exploded view on the toyodiy.com site. Also look at the teardown procedure in the FSM. There is a replaceable sealed bearing in the clutch, the worst part is getting the multiple snap rings out to get to it. You'll need some decent snap-ring pliers of various tips.