A/C Fluttering Noise

[BRADLEY BEEF]

MY 2001 5.3L SILVERADO HAS HAD A FLUTTERING NOISE IN THE A/C COMPRESSOR SINCE I'VE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS NOW. IT'S ANNOYING AND HAD ENOUGH OF IT. IT HAPPENS WITH THE A/C ON AND COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ENGAGES. WHAT COULD IT BE? BAD COMPRESSOR? BAD CLUTCH BEARING? I AM REPLACING THE BELT AND BELT TENSIONER FOR THE A/C RIGHT NOW TO GET RID OF A SQUEAL...

[splat10]

 

TTT, need help. It sounds like quick chhhhhhhhhhh then goes away. Does the compressor only engage for a few seconds at a time? The interval seems to be every 15-20 seconds or so. Is it a bad compressor or just the clutch or pulley?

 

TIA

[frdfandc]

The compressor only engages when the PCM tells it to depending on what all the sensors are telling it. That noise you are hearing is a normal A/C compressor noise that happens when the clutch is engaged.

[ZZ327]

thats a normal sound of freon running through the AC system. If youre getting that and the compressor runs only 15-20 sec on off intervals. Then it is cycling and low on freon. You might have a leak.

[BakenAZ]

My 01 yukon 5.3 just started to make a smilar noise but mine is like a chatter. It almost sounds like a fan is rubbing on something. I replaced the tensioner and belt hoping it was a bad bearing in he tensioner but not so lucky. Mine cools fine and this noise only starts when i have the A/C on. I just purchased a clutch kit from GM and will put that on as soon as i find some directions. I will let you know how it goes. Mine s definately not normal operating sound.

[ChrisNJ]

mine is so bad it just blew up! started making a very loud sound like the fan blades were hitting something, thought i lost a motor mount, then BAM, she puked her guts out. extended warranties are worth it.

[bbwb]

It all depends on how loud the noise is (obviously ). I had a compressor on my '94 (AC Delco replacement unit) and this one was loud and sounded as bad as the original one. In fact, it gave me enough noise that it could be heard in the cab. I had it changed out again under warranty and this one was quiet.

 

bbwb

[GMTRUCKTECH]

Done a bunch of these the compressor is slugging check out this bull.

Subject:Underhood Rattle Noise Heard on Acceleration (Check A/C System Performance and Compressor Operation) #03-01-38-019A - (09/03/2004)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Models:2003-2004 Cadillac CTS

 

 

2002-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

 

 

2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV

 

 

2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe

 

 

2002-2004 GMC Denali, Denali XL, Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL

 

 

2002-2004 Commercial Upfitter Chassis Vehicles

 

 

2003-2004 HUMMER H2

 

 

with Air Conditioning (A/C)

 

 

 

 

 

 

This bulletin is being revised to update the service procedure and parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-01-38-019 (Section 01 -- HVAC).

 

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Condition

Some customers may comment about an underhood rattle noise heard on acceleration or a sudden loss of A/C system performance.

 

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Cause

This condition may be caused by liquid slugging of the A/C compressor. This condition may cause an internal failure in the A/C compressor. The serpentine belt tensioner and serpentine belt may also be damaged.

 

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Correction

Technicians are to check the A/C system performance and compressor operation using the following repair procedure:

 

1. 
   <LI type=1>Open the hood and inspect the A/C compressor for damage and to see if the compressor is seized. Verify that the serpentine belt is not damaged or missing. If the A/C compressor is seized, proceed to step 5. <LI type=1>Perform the A/C System Performance test. Refer to the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) section of SI. Correct any performance concerns or refrigerant leaks that are found. <LI type=1>Inspect the vehicle for other possible sources of A/C compressor noise or performance concerns. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-38-013 for more information. <LI type=1>After all other possible sources of A/C compressor noise or performance concerns have been eliminated, only then should the A/C compressor be replaced. <LI type=1>Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to the A/C Compressor Replacement procedure in the HVAC section of SI. <LI type=1>Inspect the transmission cooler lines for damage due to contact from the serpentine belt. Replace the transmission cooler lines if necessary. <LI type=1>Install an inline A/C system filter. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-38-006C for more information about A/C system flushing and filter installation procedures. An A/C system flush is not to be done unless prior authorization is given by the GM Area Service Manager (in Canada, the District Service Manager). <LI type=1>Install an A/C Suction Screen. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-39-003A for more information about A/C suction screen repair recommendations and procedures. <LI type=1>Install a new A/C compressor. Refer to the Compressor Replacement procedure in the HVAC section of SI. <LI type=1>Install a new orifice tube for the front A/C system. Refer to the Expansion (Orifice) Tube Replacement procedure in SI. <LI type=1>If the vehicle is a 2003 model year Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana van, the vehicle may require a new accumulator. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 03-01-38-016 for more information. This bulletin refers to an updated design accumulator that may improve the performance of the A/C system. <LI type=1>Install a new serpentine belt tensioner and serpentine belt if they have been damaged due to A/C system slugging or an A/C compressor seizure. The serpentine belt tensioner may have broken stop tabs and/or a missing front cap.
   
2. Verify proper operation of the A/C system.
   

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Parts Information

Refer to the GMSPO parts catalog for the latest service replacement compressor part numbers.

 

Part Number

 

Description

 

Qty

 

89016656 (*A/C Delco Part# 15-10413)

 

Universal In-Line A/C Filter

 

1

 

 

 

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

 

*This filter may also be purchased through your local A/C Delco distributor.

 

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Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

 

Labor Operation

 

Description

 

Labor Time

 

D4440

 

Compressor Assembly - Replace

 

Use published labor operation time