Zanix Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 I've been searching the forums about a noise coming from the AC compressor. Found some similar posts, but couldn't find answers to my questions. I don't like making new threads for solved problems. There's a search for a reason, you know? Anyway, 3100, '97 Cutlass Supreme The a/c compressor makes this nasty "loose metal" pinging/rattling noise when the air isn't on. Like sheet metal not bolted down tight to a table saw. I get these visions of a bearing seizing and the belt vaporizing. And then a giant fireball blast. And then being airborne. ... The a/c blows cold when it's on, and the engine sounds as it should. It's just when I turn the air off. I've got the same power as before this started happening, which was last week. There's not really any difference in performance besides the volume. From another thread someone mentioned that a similar symptom is a classic case of a/c clutch clearance being out of whack. So my questions: Am I alright to drive this with the air off, despite the noise? Am I asking to get stranded driving around with this? and... How tough is it to adjust the clutch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88red4cyl Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 While I can't answer your questions, I can say that this is the exact sound my 95 Lumina makes when the ac is off... I've been driving it around like that for a year, but I do have the air/defrost on most of the time.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5speedz34 Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 I wouldn't worry about the bearings or any damage to the car. Most places will just replace the whole compressor. That's what I would do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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