ac compressor or clutch going bad?

[ILLEGAL REGAL]

ok at idle(600-700rpm) when you turn the ac on you can feel the truck somewhat shake, very minute, but almost like a slight misfire.
While driving between 2000-3000 rpm the compressor is making a squealing noise. I've tried to search the webz and see that it may be the clutch or it could be the compressor.. a bad internal seal causing it.

It works fine except at idle the vent temp really gets warmer and humid, even has a humid smell.

So does anyone have experience with this issue? A clutch is $170+/- or a new compressor and call it a day and need a recharge is $320+/-

it's just annoying and embarrassing

 

[ScottyBoy]

Its the compressor. Mine did pretty much the same thing. Even though it was still working and blowing cold, I ended up taking the belt off to prevent causing any further damage. I replaced the compressor, drier, and orifice tube all at once. I ordered all the parts from Rockauto.com for under $400 shipped, and that was for all AC-Delco parts. Then had if vacuumed, leak tested, and recharged. Its been blowing ice cold ever since, and absolutely ZERO noise, rattling, squealing, or shaking/vibrations.

 

[ILLEGAL REGAL]

That's what I'm afraid of, it being the compressor and me buying a clutch kit. Guess I'll end up doing the compressor.
Any specialty tools needed or additional O rings to get?

 

[ScottyBoy]

I replaced all the O-rings at every connection I opened. I bought a "kit" from Advance for like 8 or 9 bucks. But the only O-rings I actually needed from the so called kit were the ones for the orifice tube. The compressor and the drier both came with new O-rings, but the orifice tube did not. I used no special tools, just a ratchet and socket. Just be sure you get the correct compressor and drier. They are different ones depending on if you have Rear AC or not.

This is the part number for my 01 with rear AC.

 

[ILLEGAL REGAL]

you know whats weird, if I turn the a/c off and leave the rear on it doesnt make noise. But the rear stays cold. I never looked into how it works.. it all comes from the compressor under the hood or no?

I'll probably just change the compressor, thanks for the #! Mines an 01 as well

---------- Post added at 10:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:00 PM ----------

n/m maybe I'll do the dryer and orifice as well since I read when the compressor does that it can send flakes into the system and clog something up.

Did you reuse or get a new heat wrap for your dryer?

 

[akcooper9]

Bump for an old thread!

I've got an 01 Tahoe with rear ac. I know which compressor I need but how do I know if I need the 13 vs 17 mm orifice tube and which drier (1st design or 2nd design)?

Also before I drop the coin on this how can I confirm its my compressor going bad?

I did pull the belt off and spun everything. I had consistent drag from the clutch and a free spinning pulley etc. But my idle is rough when the AC is on and I'm getting more and more noise during acceleration when the AC is on.