HELP! Strange Sound coming from AC

[PaulHuntzy]

I recently purchased a 03' tahoe 4x4 5.3l with 166k miles.

When I first start the truck turn the AC on and accelerate I hear a super loud and super strange noise coming from my AC (only happens when AC is on) the best way I can describe the sound is as if your shuffling cards, but it's extremely loud.

Like I said it happens when I accelerate and if I left off the pedal the sound goes away. It will last for a few miles or so then it won't come back until I restart the truck with the AC on.

AC works nice and cold with no issues. I also notice when the AC is on at idle I feel a noticeable vibration. I'm very use to this generation GM trucks and this vibration seems abnormal.

Hoping it's not the Compressor, any help or experience will be highly appreciated!

I found the exactly sound I'm dealing with in YouTube, here's the link. The only difference is the only time is makes that sound is under acceleration in drive only.

 

[Chubbs]

You will need to do some investigating.
Start the engine and slide underneath and look for any wobble or dog-tracking of the belt @ the AC pulley and belt tensioner. Have someone apply throttle if necessary. It's most likely going to be the AC clutch bearing on front of the compressor or the tensioner assembly pulley bearing is going out. You can remove the belt and replace both of those as routine maintenance, anyway. At least I was able to remove the AC clutch pulley & replace the bearing on 1 of my other trucks; I'm new to the GMT800 platform but most AC compressors are similar in design.
Personally, I would continue searching, watching YouTube vids & reading both descriptions & all comments associated with those clips identical to the noise you are experiencing. The vid you attached has no relevant info whatsoever, but continue searching & prob find what you are looking for. Just read everything.
There is often 1 bolt securing pulley to front of compressor, a 2 or 3 leg puller to bring the pulley forward if there isn't any room to tap it forward with a wood block and hammer. Don't loosen any refrigerant lines/connections. I don't like the location of AC comp'...makes simple task F'n difficult & time consuming. Hurry up & fix it before it starts throwing the belt & leaves you stranded somewhere. That's the first thing that's going to happen as result of this "AC noise"

Just to add, look in there and see where the noise is coming from, exactly. It may not have anything to with the AC comp' itself. Any pulley bearing at fault can cause the belt to dog-track, and then it rubs against the closest thing in proximity to it.

 

[dukbludvl]

I recently bought a used 2002 Yukon 5.3L and I have this same exact issue. Exact same symptoms. Did you ever figure out what it was? What fixed it?

 

[rockola1971]

Sounds like the ac clutch is abnormally disengaging(Chatter). Usually cause by either worn clutch material (clutch needs replaced) or bad electrical connection.