So, I thought it was the PS pump. Nope. I took of the AC belt and the noise stopped. Thank goodness. I do like my AC though. The idler seems to spin with no problem, but the AC keeps making noise, whether on not the AC clutch is spinning. Can you remove the AC clutch assembly without taking out the whole compressor? I guess I should double check the idler, but it seems to freewheel wonderfully, and the ac wheel seems to be a bit more.... harsh. Anyway, has anyone done this. I guess for the next day or few, I am going to leave the belt off and enjoy the silence. Any harm in that?
AC compressor bearing noise (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter racevws
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No harm in leaving it off. Yes, you can remove the clutch leaving the compressor in place provided you can get the snap ring off of it. Some folks can manage this...others struggle with it.
I just had this on my 91 last summer. My ac clutch sounded like a can of rocks lol. I could only find a used clutch for mine (91) so I replaced with a rebuilt compressor. Check to see if you can feel any play on the ac pulley. If it's loose at all then you know for sure
mudgudgeon
Resident galah
I recently changed out the AC clutch bearing with the AC compressor still in place.
A little fiddly, but not too bad.
My idler bearing and adjusting bolt were toast too.
A little fiddly, but not too bad.
My idler bearing and adjusting bolt were toast too.
I'm just trying to diagnose my AC problems and this sounds similar. My AC works great, but when you turn it on it sounds terrible, like a can of rocks. Is this likely to be the clutch or the compressor?
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With the belt off, the clutch pulley should turn smoothly, without play. The bearing isn't intended to be serviced, is peened, swedge on, but have replaced them. A new Denso compressor W/clutch is often cheaper than a clutch.
Don't use a cheap-o bearing. I followed the provided video in the link with red loc-tite but loc-tite sleeve retainer would be fine. Use a press and be careful not to bend the pulley. You can also remove the compressor from the block with the lines attached and manipulate the face upwards to easily access the lock ring. 
Nippondenso 10PA15/17/20 & 10S15/17/20 Clutch Bearing BG403
Auto AC compressor reseal parts and kits, automotive AC service parts, compressor reseal kits,10PA,10P, HS18S20, FS10, R4, A6,HT6,Sanden, shaft seal tools...
www.shopcenturyautoair.com
When my ac clutch went out it would sound like a can of rocks only when the AC was running, I removed the belt and could feel the slop in the pulley. It worked for a couple of months while it made the sound then it finally siezed up and smoked the belt.
I was about to order an AC clutch, but rockauto gives you a warning about compressor failure causing clutch failure and vise versa and not just replace the clutch. Just replacing the clutch seems easier because I wouldn't have to charge and discharge the system. Is this a bad idea? The pulley on my clutch is super loose, so I suspect that is where the noise is coming from.
mudgudgeon
Resident galah
Both the idler bearing and front compressor bearing (not the clutch) are cheap as chips and fairly easy to change out
I did this video several years ago when I worked for an A/C specialist.
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Have to define "dead bearing" when they totally die, it's not uncommon for the compressor snout to be worn, so the new bearing wont fit properly. The front housing can be replaced, haven't found a good source for the Denso clutch, find it easier, cheaper to replace the whole compressor. A whole new Denso compressor is available significantly cheaper than we have found just the clutch.
When removing the clutch, they sometimes stick to the splines. The hole that the small bolt is removed from, is threaded (IIRC, m8x1.25), using a bolt as a puller makes the job easier.
When removing the clutch, they sometimes stick to the splines. The hole that the small bolt is removed from, is threaded (IIRC, m8x1.25), using a bolt as a puller makes the job easier.
I meant that the pulley on the compressor is super loose. The thin ring that the belt rides on seems like it is about to fall off. The AC works well, just makes a lot of noise. Does anyone know if I can just replace the clutch or is a whole new compressor needed? Rockauto has a UAC clutch for $76.
Like "Tools" said above, it's very likely the snout is worn and a new/reman clutch won't seat correctly. I'd just replace the compressor assembly (and the drier).
mudgudgeon
Resident galah
I'd say remove the clutch and front compressor bearing, and inspect. Then maybe a call on replacing the whole unit.
I spent maybe 2hrs, and >$100 on bearings and my noisy AC is now nice and quiet.
Some of what I read before doing mine suggested the snout may be flogged out at the bearing, but mine was perfectly good.
Saves regassing and all the rest that goes along with it
I spent maybe 2hrs, and >$100 on bearings and my noisy AC is now nice and quiet.
Some of what I read before doing mine suggested the snout may be flogged out at the bearing, but mine was perfectly good.
Saves regassing and all the rest that goes along with it
Perfect. That’s what I needed to know. Thank you all for the help.
