A/C Compressor Noise

tyhuck · May 18, 2013

I have noticed that my A/C compressor is making a kind of rattling and chattering noise when the clutch kicks in. Is this necessarily a sign that its going out? It cools pretty good, but it doesn't freeze you out. But, its only just breaking 90 this time of year and my longest trip with the A/C on is going back and forth to work (10 miles one way). Should I expect to replace the compressor any time soon, or do some of them just make noise?

grampadirt · May 18, 2013

A word of caution...be sure it's the compressor,mine was making those noises or so I thought.Tuned out to be the belt tensioner which is right below the compressor.

waumo1 · May 18, 2013

Second on the belt tensioner check.

Yes the compressor can run for a long time with a rattle or it could fail tomorrow. . Our 2002 Yukon ran for years with an audible rattle and it was still running when we traded it off. The downside to running it with a known problem is that it can be filling your A/C system with metal particles, etc which could make the repair more expensive.

txab · May 18, 2013

As stated check the condition of the belt and tensioner. Take a look at the clutch plates when the engage, see if any noise is from there. Make sure system is properly charged

marksoldtowne · August 19, 2013

If it is the clutch bearing noise, that can be repaired without any gas recharge issues. If your AC compressor is making excessive noise, then it's probably getting ready to fail. Take it to a REAL mechanic and get it repaired.

tyhuck · August 19, 2013

Figured out it was low on coolant. Put a whole can of that A/C Pro stuff in it. Fogged the windows the noise stopped.

Black2011 · August 23, 2013

Figured out it was low on coolant. Put a whole can of that A/C Pro stuff in it. Fogged the windows the noise stopped.

Good to hear. Did you add any oil to the system? normally when the a/c is low it either means it leaks, or over time it has seeped out the seals. (happens after long periods of time, especially when it sits) and it can also loose some of the level of oil too. likely will not be an issue, but it is good practice