AC TENSIONER

rflow50 · July 16, 2006

After all the AC trouble that i got into i decided to change the AC tensioner to see if that was going to fix the rattle noise. Today after installing the AC Tensioner I noticed that the rattle noise was even louder. I told my wife to press on the accelerator while I was under the truck. As soon as the truck reached high RPM's the AC Tensioner started bouncing hitting the Transmission cooling hoses like a woodpecker. Now i know what was making the rattle noise and i was thinking that it was the AC compressor. I purchase the Tensioner form the Dealer thinking that it was going to be better, probably this one came out damage. On Monday i am going to exchange it for another one and see what happens.

I want it to make sure it was a damage tensioner so i called one of my friends that owns a GM Truck with the same engine. He came by the house and i went under the truck to see how his tensioner worked at high RPM's. His did not bounce at all.

What can cause a Tensioner to bounce like that at higher RPM's. Can it be the spring inside the tensioner that is damage because after i finish the installation i was able to move the tensioner with my hand by pulling down on the pulley. Any advice is appreciated Rick.

rflow50 · July 18, 2006

Well, today i change the AC Tensioner again and this one did the same thing. I don't think the tensioner is the problem. Maybe the problem is the AC Compressor. I went under the truck and as soon as my wife press the accelerator the tensioner started bouncing.

Now my question is. I am going to replace the AC Compressor, this time with a new one, not a re-manufacture one like the other two times but should i replace the accumulator again too, because when the mechanic replace the new redesigned hoses along with the rear expansion valve, he also replace the accumulator or should i wait an see if the orifice tube is dirty. Also should I replace the Condenser, because i read in one of the bulletins that after a major AC Compressor failure like the one i experience with the second compressor it is recommended to change the condenser.

I really need some advice. Rick

GM-Tech · July 18, 2006

I really need some advice. Rick

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I would not replace the condensor or accumulator. I'm not sure why that's being recommended anywhere. I would consider adding an inline filter if you find a lot of metal in the orifice tube.

rflow50 · July 18, 2006

I really need some advice. Rick

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would not replace the condensor or accumulator. I'm not sure why that's being recommended anywhere. I would consider adding an inline filter if you find a lot of metal in the orifice tube.

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Thanks for the advice. Where can i get an inline filter or what part number do they carry. Thanks Rick.