A/C Compressor whine A few days ago I started hearing this whine coming from the engine compartment. It sounds very much like a power steering pump whine. I was low on fluid in the pump and though that is what it was, but the whine didn't go away after topping off. After listening more closely, I realized it was coming from the other side and putting my Maglite on the compressor and my ear to the Maglite pretty much confirmed to me that it was the compressor making the noise. I have been getting some loud screaching from the compressor when I first engage it for the day, but it usually goes away after a minute. Could this be a sign that it is on its way out?
Your compressor pulley bearing may be rough..........try removing the belt and spin the pulley..........if it feels coarse, the bearing is shot. Once mine siezed up solid while driving with the a/c off............I shut her down immediately, and the bearing still got so hot it welded itself together and the pulley was so hot it was sizzling. Don't take chances with this one, replace the bearing if it is noisy........your compressor is probably OK, but you need a special puller to get the clutch apart in order to change the bearing. The freon does not need to be taken out, but the compressor needs to be un bolted from the motor in order to get the puller in place. This is one you may want to take to a shop, but JC Whitney sells a puller/installer for less than $50 if you want to wait for it to be shipped to you. Good luck! :bglasses:
I feel cheated To me "Compressor whine" means a sound clip or maybe even a video of a blown buick. But nooo, it's just ac stuff. Be more careful with those headlines :laugh:
Okay, so I took off the belt and started the engine, no whine. Spun the pulley by hand, but I don't really know if its good or not. So here is a 1 meg clip of me spinning the pulley. Pulley spin Does that sound like the bearing is going bad?
whine whine - whine whine - I was hoping for a video of a blown nailhead....... Sounds funny to me, although it seems to spin well. If you can replace it on the car and not break the freon lines, go for it. Other wise a rebuilt compressor with pulley/clutch are about $100 if you shop around. = Bill
I would say that bearing sounds awfully dry. When the compressor in Shari's 70 GS went bad it broke the belt as it froze in place. Immediately when it cooled down it would turn easy again.
