A/C Compressor Noise

josharre2000 · 12-01-08, 07:34 AM

Guys,

Over the past couple of months my AC compressor has developed a slight bearing noise. I can make it go away (temporarily) by squirting a little White Lightning Chain lube behind the pulley. I did this mainly to isolate what was making the noise. Other than the noise the AC works awesome.

Is this a big deal? If so, how can I fix? I have about 125K on the clock and the belts were changed about 10k miles ago.

Thanks,

Josh

Romer · 12-01-08, 07:40 AM

when troubleshooting another similar problem, I was told the Clutch (pully assembly) will do this when the bearing is worn. You can replace just the clutch assembly

josharre2000 · 12-01-08, 08:00 AM

Thanks Ken. I will consult my FSM for the parts breakdown.

1972FJ55 · 12-01-08, 09:04 AM

Hi Josh,
You can get a Denso (OE Toyota) clutch assembly, part # 473-0164, which gives you the pulley, hub and coil. Mud price to you is $129 + freight. You can replace the bearing in the pulley although you will need a press, and it's kind of a pain to do. The bearing by itself is $21.49 + freight.
We specialize in automotive A/C parts.

www.coolstreamac.com

Let me know if you have any more questions,
Thanks,
Rex

josharre2000 · 12-01-08, 03:25 PM

Thanks Rex, thats exaclty what I was looking for.

Beowulf · 12-01-08, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972FJ55

We specialize in automotive A/C parts.
Let me know if you have any more questions,

Rex,
You mention a 'Mud price. Have you done A/C work for some of the Copper State guys?

Do you have a price where we could send you our A/C clutch assembly and you would replace just the failed bearing?

-B-

1972FJ55 · 12-01-08, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Rex,
You mention a 'Mud price. Have you done A/C work for some of the Copper State guys?

Do you have a price where we could send you our A/C clutch assembly and you would replace just the failed bearing?

-B-

Hi B,
I/we haven't worked on any Copper State members vehicles, that I know of, but many of them are DIY kind of guys. That said, I run the warehouse end of the business, and we just sell parts. We have sold parts to 'Mud members at an appreciable discount.
I can tell you our "sister" shops (Arizona Auto Refrigeration), charge roughly $35 in labor to replace a bearing, if you just sent them the pulley. The bearing is $21.49, so that puts you at about $57 + freight. If you are interested in going this route, you could sent me the pulley and I can get it to them with the new bearing (avoiding their mark-up) and ship it back when they finish.
Hope this helps,
Rex

Beowulf · 12-01-08, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972FJ55

If you are interested in going this route, you could sent me the pulley and I can get it to them with the new bearing (avoiding their mark-up) and ship it back when they finish.

Thanks Rex, my A/C is working fine right now but with 177k on the clock it is just a matter of time before the pulley assembly or something else needs to be replaced. We run the A/C a lot in New Mexico and Arizona.

The purpose for my question was to get options when guys need the clutch bearing replaced. Thanks for your answer.

-B-

IdahoDoug · 12-01-08, 10:10 PM

Josh,

What "pulley" are you spraying behind? Specifically.

DougM

Pair_of_Eees · 12-01-08, 10:42 PM

I had this noise appear on my '96 two summers ago. Scared the **** out of me at first. It literally sounded like marbles getting tossed around INSIDE the engine block. I located the source after a bunch of prodding around with a mechanics stethescope. Sure enough it was the a/c compressor, which was a HUGE relief to me considering that I thought the noise was coming from the engine itself.

Anyway, I removed the a/c belt from the pulley for the winter and when I reinstalled it the following spring to get my a/c back in operation, the sound was mostly gone. Can't explain why but I'm still running the same everything. Given that mine was making some pretty major noise and now its fine leads me to believe that its likely not a critical issue.

josharre2000 · 12-17-08, 06:05 PM

Sorry Doug--- Just saw your post. The pulley I referenced is the on the A/C compressor itself. There is a little gap between the pulley and the housing. That is where I squirted that "lube".

Is that what you where asking?

Josh

bpassmore · 12-17-08, 07:51 PM

Mine is making a noise now. When i turn the compressor off it goes away, but as soon as I turn it on, it is back. Lubing the clutch also quiets it down. wierd. i figure the compressor is dying.

josharre2000 · 01-08-09, 09:53 AM

Brett,

Did you ever figure out what was wrong? The whining/hissing sound seems to go away one I engage the A/C compressor.

Josh

bpassmore · 01-08-09, 09:55 AM

Mine starts when I engage it ! lol... cruisers. gotta love it.

Seriously, I figure it will be a maintenance item some day. The truck is 12 years old! somethings gotta break sometime!

josharre2000 · 01-08-09, 10:11 AM

Yup. I am going to call CDan and get one on order.

TX Cruiser · 01-08-09, 10:51 AM

My spare has been sitting on the shelf waiting.... for some of those listed below to crash. FWIW, the FJ62 up to the 95 FZJ80 (that I know of) have the same compressor. The manifold plate is different though. Keep yours.

I'm sure everyone has checked the tensioner roller, but it doesn't hurt to throw it out there.