Squealing AC compressor

OL' WHITEY

New Member

Jan 28, 2004

273

0

0

Weddington, NC

Oct 21, 2005

#1

• Oct 21, 2005

• #1

Is there a way to lubricate this thing? It works fine, but I guess the bearings are just old and it squeals a little when the engine's cold. Once things warm up a little, it quietens down. I'm afraid to just shoot WD40 or somthing like that in there because I'm afraid it will only trap dirt and cause the bearings to go bad quicker. Any ideas?

 

BLOWN 5.0 FOX

Member

Apr 4, 2005

213

0

16

NORTH SHORE MA

Oct 22, 2005

#2

• Oct 22, 2005

• #2

Does the belt squeal or are you sure its the compressor? Id take off the belt and see if there is any play in the shaft or if its getting close to seizing. If all is well Id replace the belt. Good Luck

 

OL' WHITEY

New Member

Jan 28, 2004

273

0

0

Weddington, NC

Oct 24, 2005

#3

• Oct 24, 2005

• #3

Belt's fine. About a month old. I didn't check the tolerances on the compressor, but the noise changes as the compressor clutch kicks on and off. It works just fine though. It may be on it's last leg. I wonder if squirting a little graphite under the clutch pulley would help/hurt it? Any other ideas?

 

W

webshot

Member

Sep 11, 2005

738

0

17

Yay Area, California

Oct 24, 2005

#4

• Oct 24, 2005

• #4

Mine started doing that then it went to s sort of grinding sound. Mine went bad right after that. In the process of buying a replacement now. Mine seemed to be misting my engine compartment with fine metal shavings. So I guess my bearing grinded down to nothing.

Is it a simple swap of these things when you buy a new one, or take one off another car?

 

BlackGT89

Member

Dec 16, 2002

774

8

18

Huntsville, AL

Oct 24, 2005

#5

• Oct 24, 2005

• #5

OL' WHITEY said:

Belt's fine. About a month old. I didn't check the tolerances on the compressor, but the noise changes as the compressor clutch kicks on and off. It works just fine though. It may be on it's last leg. I wonder if squirting a little graphite under the clutch pulley would help/hurt it? Any other ideas?

Click to expand...

Sounds like your A/C Compressor clutch has worn out (sometimes called a compressor coil). Either the clutch material gets worn down or the magnet gets weak (or both). You might try a local parts store, or maybe a salvage yard for a replacement. Applying any kind of lube will only make it worse. In fact, if your seal has ruptured it could be part of the problem (look for oil streaks in line with the pulleys and belts).