Ok when I turn my a/c or heater on my compressor makes a loud ticking noise. And I noticed last night while changing my water pump that my a/c belt tensioner vibrates alot not sure if thats normal also while the engine was off the front of the compressor( i think thats the clutch) moves freely but it catches on something every half turn. Any advice???
A/C Compressor Help????????
- Thread starter TnTahoe
- Start date
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Sounds like the compressor and/or clutch is going bad. It'll do that for a while until it completely locks up and you'll burn right through that secondary belt. Unless someone knows something I don't, I would change it out soon, or disconnect that belt for it until you do. When it does fail (and it's the compressor itself), the internals kinda sheer, and throw a bunch of crap into the lines and system. Then you're going to have to change out other parts and clean out the lines before you install the new one. Mine started to do the same thing, and sometimes would lock up a bit and then let loose (tore through one belt). Then it finally quit and wouldn't engage anymore by itself, only manually (if I remember, my clutch was bad). Changed out the compressor w/clutch and cleaned out the lines from the old oil. Then installed a new one, and haven't had a problem since. Even if your A/C problem is only the clutch, it is HIGHLY advised that you change it all out (compressor with the clutch) since the compressor fails right after. It is not cost effective to change out the clutch when the compressor is going to fail soon after. Are you going to do it yourself or take it to a shop? How many miles do you have?
Holy crap....Well you kinda need to know what you are doing to attempt this. You need A/C gauges, proper freon (amount and type), orifice tube, cleaner for the system (I advise), and tools to disconnect the compressor. First you're going to have to let out the freon (should do it the proper way), and make sure to release the freon slowly as you can damage the expansion valve if released too fast. Then once all out you can disconnect the lines to the compressor. You'll also have to disconnect a certain point on the lines so that you can change out the orifice tube. Make sure you get an orifice tube from the dealer (or similar place) and not one from a regular autoparts store. I got 3 of the same kind from different autoparts stores, and they wouldn't fit correctly. I ended up breaking all 3 and just placed the stock one back in there since it wasn't contaminated at all. It is also advised to check the amount of oil that you release from the system when releasing the freon so that you can place the same amount back in with the new compressor. Then clean out the lines with the cleaner. Depending on where you get your compressor you might have to buy new parts to install for warranty purposes. Once you have everything put back together you will have to charge the system with the proper amount of freon and pressure. Make sure to do the research to get everything done right like the proper pressure of freon and the amount that you need. The amount of freon and the kind of orifice tube also depends on whether or not you have dual A/C or just the front A/C system. You are going to have to research what exactly you need for your specific Hoe. Almost forgot that if I were you I would change out all the washers from the lines that you disconnect (and they are going to be freaking expensive). And I don't remember correctly, but I think you have to be certified to be able to mess around with the freon. I don't know if I'm missing something, but like I said, do your research for your specific application.
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