Engine bay noise

[nickbaldwin86]

So I got home last night to my wife complaining about a noise from the XL... I am pretty sure I have narrowed it down to a failing AC unit?

the XL has 130k on the 6L. the AC started blowing mildly cool air toward the end of the summer, was going to get it recharged but well it was the end of the summer so I figured I would wait tell next summer and start it out with a fresh charge.

Why do I think it is the AC? because it only starts making the noise when we turn on the AC. it could be something else getting the load? but dont know what!?

put a brand new belt and alternator back in April. so I wouldn't think to blame either of those items.

Thoughts from anyone else that has experienced this?

How easy is it to get to the AC pump? (my 03 6L has the mechanical fan )

I Googled and found them for around $200. any brands to stay away from? does NAPA have a good unit?

I might have a shop do the work, just so they can charge it when they are done. What is the cost of a shop doing it?

Thanks
Nick

 

[sk1dm4rk]

What does the noise sound like? Is it a squeal? Is it a chatter? Is it a hum?

Turn on the AC and open the hood and see if you can positively locate the source of the noise and report back.

I had a chatter in my Envoy XL when I would engage the AC. Turned out to be the belt tensioner.

Regards,

Mark

 

[AZSCTACO]

Good point on the a/c belt tensioner.....it could be rattling and the belt is slipping. That may cause the mildly cool air and not cold.

 

[nickbaldwin86]

I will see if I can get a video for you guys.

I think you are on to something with the tensioner. Will have to price one out and if cheap I will just swap it.

Nick

 

[nickbaldwin86]

If you can make anything from this, my wife just took this. I will have to do more research this weekend. when I have time and light to work on it.

 

[Erik G]

hard to tell from that video - is it a high pitched squeal? I can hear a chevy water pump bearing going out a mile away, thats usually 115-130K miles and you would be loosing fluid once you turn the motor off. I'm going to go with tension pulley as well, should be cheap

 

[nickbaldwin86]

so you would recommend replacing the water pump and tension pulley?

I don't want my wife to be left on the side of the road. so I have no issue replacing something before it blows up.

Thanks