A/c Compressor Roaring

97whitez71 · November 3, 2010

As the subject states, my A/C compressor roars only when the clutch engages. When the A/C is off, all sounds good. Everything is working fine, blowing cold, but it sounds like a bearing going out. For a shade tree mechanic who can change water pumps, u-joints, and the like, is this something I could probably handle? As long as the compressor is blowing cold, is it worth it? Thanks for the opinions!

ken1mod · November 3, 2010

The noise is obviously internal and not the idler bearing which is easy to replace. A new compressor is in order. Unless you know a/c and have the tools, it might be too much. If you can follow directions and do careful work and have some knowledge of a/c, you can probably do the job. You will need gauges and a good vacuum pump AND understand intimately how to use them.

It is more technical than changing brake pads but not partiularly hard.

Ken

jtupper · November 4, 2010

As the subject states, my A/C compressor roars only when the clutch engages. When the A/C is off, all sounds good. Everything is working fine, blowing cold, but it sounds like a bearing going out. For a shade tree mechanic who can change water pumps, u-joints, and the like, is this something I could probably handle? As long as the compressor is blowing cold, is it worth it? Thanks for the opinions!

Is this the 2001 or the 1997 making the noise? If it's the 2001, then you compressor is on it's way out. The sound you hear is most likely the ac tensioner pulley banging against the tranny lines. If you change it out now, you can probably get away with just swapping out the compressor, drier and orifice tube. If you wait until it blows up you will need to replace the condenser (flushing is not recommended on these) and will have to flush the evaporator.

As Ken said, it's not too hard if you can follow directions and the gaugesand vacuum pump can be rented at Autozone. Go to the forum over at www.ackits.com and they will steer you in the right direction.

97whitez71 · November 4, 2010

Sorry, it's on the '97. How would I know if it is the bearing I can replace or internal? Don't get me wrong, the thing has 216,000 miles on it, but I was just hoping it was the simpler of the two. I guess I'll just start saving over the winter to have it replaced next year. Thanks!

ken1mod · November 4, 2010

The idler bearing under the pulley would make noise all the time the engine is running. If it is quiet and only noisey when the compressor is turning, the cause is internal.

ken