Noisy A/C Compressor

akarilo · 07-05-09, 07:06 PM

A/C Compressor started making a vibrating noise; goes away when the compessor cycles off. Also, compressor pulley/clutch seems to wobble while "compessing", but spins smoothly while cycled off. Loose, adjust/tighten, going out?

Anybody experience anything similar

kennyfj40 · 07-05-09, 08:19 PM

My AC compressor acted the same way. I got a new fan clutch and compressor with the intent to replace the fan clutch first and then the compressor if I needed to. When I started to work on the system I fouind out my tensioner pully had frozen and ate some of the belt off. I changed the tensioner pully about a year ago, so not sure why it froze up. I took it apart and cleaned lubed it, but a new belt on and everything worked great after that. I was able to take the other parts back. When the compressor does cycle on does the AC blow cold? If it still blows cold then it might just be the fan clutch or the bearing. Not sure if that helps at all, but just what I experianced.

akarilo · 07-05-09, 11:23 PM

Still cools great, just happened to notice the new noise lately. What are you mentioning about the "fan" clutch? Is that just terminology for the engagement clutch on the compressor?

Thanx KR

kennyfj40 · 07-06-09, 06:22 AM

Yes, the clutch on the compressor, not the engine cooling fan. Sorry for the confusion. It could be the bearing in the clutch that I think is a replacable part, not sure how hard it is to change out though.

akarilo · 07-06-09, 06:37 PM

Update! Pulley actually has slack (in which it can be wiggled side to side) when the motor is shut off

Best remedy?

kennyfj40 · 07-07-09, 06:09 AM

The pully on the compressor or on the tensioner? I would think if you could move it from front to back the bearing is worn. The tensioner bearing is a pretty easy fix, but have not changed the bearing in the compressor clutch so can not say how hard it is to replace.

akarilo · 07-07-09, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyfj40

The pully on the compressor or on the tensioner? I would think if you could move it from front to back the bearing is worn. The tensioner bearing is a pretty easy fix, but have not changed the bearing in the compressor clutch so can not say how hard it is to replace.

Absolutely the pulley on the compressor. Might be less hassle just to swap whole compressors. Don't know about the $$$ though.

CDan can chime in at any time now

kennyfj40 · 07-07-09, 12:57 PM

Some of the compressors come without a clutch. Make sure the one you order includes the clutch. Not sure about OEM, but aftermarket was $90.00 for a new clutch and $220.00 for the compressor. I also had one parts place quote $450.00 for the clutch and compressor, so I imagine OEM parts will be pricey

1972FJ55 · 07-07-09, 02:51 PM

We sell a new Denso (OEM) compressor with clutch for $259. The drier is $22.31 and the expansion block is $44.71 (these are Denso, also). If you'd like a quote on what UPS would be-shoot me a zip code and I'll let you know.
Thanks,
Rex
1-888-438-9534

Rookie2 · 07-07-09, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akarilo

Absolutely the pulley on the compressor. Might be less hassle just to swap whole compressors. Don't know about the $$$ though.

CDan can chime in at any time now

$470 including magnet clutch and $20 core charge.

I had the same problem you discuss. I decided to get a remanufactured Denso compressor off the internet for around $250. It leaked, so tried to have the seals replaced to find out the sealing surfaces were pitted so needless to say it still leaked after the new seals. $1700 later I have a toyota remaned unit from CDan installed. I've just had it on about a week, but so far so good.

Just make sure you get a good'n. Warranties don't mean much on these things because a lot of the cost is in having the it removed, installed and the system evacuated and recharged which a warranty doesn't cover.