A/C compressor noise when A/C is off

[cubsfan24]

My A/C compressor is making a weird noise when the A/C is off. It has been doing this for the last couple weeks but it would stop (even with the A/C off) after 30 seconds or so. Now it is making this noise constantly when the A/C is not on. Here is a video I took when the A/C not running and the A/C running. Oh the A/C works fine if that matters or not. Any ideas on how to fix this?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBiQNgQUJlI

 

[ManicMechanic]

My L27 van is doing the same thing...The air works fine so I am not too worried.

[cubsfan24]

My L27 van is doing the same thing...The air works fine so I am not too worried.

lol I don't need the A/C all the time and it is really annoying when I have the windows down with the A/C off. I looked online and it sounds like it could be the A/C clutch bearing. This page: http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl791g.htm sounds like the same issue I have. Has anyone else been successful in replacing the A/C clutch bearing and fixing the problem and is it even possible for a novice DIYer to replace. If I don't fix this will it destroy the compressor eventually?

 

[Crazy K]

I broke a compressor 2 weeks ago trying to replace a bad bearing.

 

 

You could do it if the follow the procedure correctly....

[cubsfan24]

I broke a compressor 2 weeks ago trying to replace a bad bearing.

 

 

You could do it if the follow the procedure correctly....

 

Was your compressor making the same sound? I have a local ex-mechanic that I think I will ask if he can replace the bearing if it hard to replace. How long does it take to replace it?

[Crazy K]

choices...

 

reman/NOS compressor,

 

Or get a proper bearing replacement assembly.

 

 

maybe 2 hours if is familiar with doing it.

 

On mine, I actually had a bad bearing, so i removed the clutch assembly, knocked out the old bearing and pressed in the new bearing... and pressed the pulley and bearing on the case. When i tried to install the clutch inself, i had the incorrect clutch tool, so I pressed the clutch in with the pulley press... and too much pressure = cracked case.

[cubsfan24]

I have been thinking and I could just not turn the A/C off during the summer (not that big of issue because I drive mostly highway) and during the winter I could go buy a shorter belt for the car without the A/C on it. Would there be any issues with this? Will I hurt the compressor if I don't replace the bearing?

[88red4cyl]

I have been thinking and I could just not turn the A/C off during the summer (not that big of issue because I drive mostly highway) and during the winter I could go buy a shorter belt for the car without the A/C on it. Would there be any issues with this? Will I hurt the compressor if I don't replace the bearing?

 

Or you can just run the heat on defrost if it bothers you that much (that makes the ac compressor run).. FWIW, my 95 has done that since I got it in August 07.. I don't know how long its done that before I got it, but for the 1+ year I have had it, I have had zero problems and the air works fine.. I am not planning on replacing it either until the compressor gives out..

[jake63]

Worst case scenario, the bearing could detonate and throw the belt and you'd have to replace the compressor.

[cutlassdude96]

mines been making that noise for at least 2 years or more still works just fine

[ron350]

Cubsfan look at this thread.

http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.php?topic=41466.0

 

[cubsfan24]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I didn't think this was that common of a problem. Sounds like I will just keep the A/C on and hope the compressor doesn't blow. According to that link above it sounds like it just needs an adjustment. I might call my ex-mechanic to see if he has a tool like that. It was really embarrassing yesterday sitting in traffic when the car making this horrendous sound.