01 Yukon Horrible AC Noise - not a whine

En00b1 · July 23, 2012

Need some suggestions as to where to start. The problem - I have no noise when my A/C is off. After engaging the A/C, there is generally no change until I either accelerate in park, or when accelerating down the road. The noise is an extremelly loud rapid clicking, which generally goes away when reaching higher RPMs. It sounds like something is going to explode!

I was able to observe the following while parked: When first engaging the A/C, the front part of the compressor (clutch? (I am a novice here)) starts to spin. After reving the engine up, the noise starts and the front part seems to stop spinning (but not always right away). I have not taken things apart yet to inspect the belt and pulleys more closely.

I have read many of the threads and am thinking that a starting point would be to replace the tensioner and belt to see what that does. I have 156k and I know that that has not been done since I bought the vehicle with 50k. Not sure it matters, but the A/C itself seems to get pretty cold. Am I on the right track and what would anyone else recommend? Thanks!

Steve

kjctaco · July 23, 2012

Could possibly be liquid slugging of the ac system which is when the compressor attempts to compress liquid freon, Google it for better explanation. Our 2003 yukon xl would make a horrible noise under similar circumstances as yours. A complete ac system replacement (compressor, accumulator, orifice valve) took care of the issue. No more noise.