A/C compressor noisey

Anyone just replaced the AC clutch, pulley and bearing instead of the whole compressor? Found the parts on ebay and not sure how much I should trust them? Don't want to pay for a new compressor and all the other stuff that goes with it.

 

Be sure it's your compressor. I had a whining noise in that general area, 2011 prerunner. Had his sewing machine noise for 2 months. Got worse after a tranny flush. Thought it was tranny. After consulting several mechanics, my son included, they all said.... I don't know.... it's either your alternator or compressor. Well... crap!!!, changed the alternator( under warranty auto zone) no difference. Then I found on u tube a dude had the same problem... idler pully. Changed all out except tensioner pully, noise is gone, so in closing, if your ac is still cooling, mine was, then you might want to look elsewhere for your prob.

 

I took the belt off and spun the pulleys and they all feel good. The only thing is the noise comes and goes with the compressor turning on. My AC is still working fine. But it is noticeably loud and people have commented on that as it cycles on. Without the AC on you can't really hear it. So my thought it is the bearing in the pulley. You can buy the bearing and clutch instead of replacing the whole compressor. So I thought I would try it. Thanks for the input.

 

When the AC is on, the bearing is locked in with the clutch assembly. No noise when the AC is off, it's not the bearing. Unfortunately, it's the compressor.

 

To be safe I assume it is not an idler pulley? Cheaper Have you installed one yourself?

 

Not on your truck.
You said you checked the idlers. Right?
Only makes noise when AC is on right?
Think about it.
Backround: I've been in the HVACR biz since 1979. Also, my forgetterer works much better than my rememberer.

 

I had the same exact issue and replaced the compressor


Ended up being the tensioner assembly

 

OP said he pulled the belt and checked the pulleys.

 

I said the tensioner, not the pulley.

 

Not the pulley on the tensioner? I don't understand how the tensioner can make a noise, but anything is possible.

 

Thought so too, but I replaced every pulley and still had the sound. Once I used a mechanics stethescope it was obvious. Also someone else had the exact same noise and exact same defective tensioner.

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UI_hJ2Zva80

 

I tried to listen with the stethoscope and couldn't pin point it. All the pulleys spun just fine under hand crank. But the noise is far worse with the AC on and when the clutch is activated. Without the AC on the noise is very minimal. But the noise sounds like a dry bearing with some grit. I'll record it. I did replace the belt and the tension made it a little better. I just don't want to spend the $$ on a compressor if it is a tensioner pulley. Thanks for the feedback.

 

https://youtu.be/G6uyf3OFu_k

Here is the link to the noise I am experiencing. Sound familiar?

 

Tip, remove belt and start the engine let it run for 30 seconds and see if the noise persists. That can eliminate if it is even a pulley or something belt driven. That doesn't sound like any pulley going bad to me

 

Won't be any issue on the motor or battery? I assume not but wanted to ask

 

No, not for a short period. You will be running the engine off the battery for those few seconds and will have no fan so make sure don't do it for more than a minute or so

 

Well I will have to try it. Now I hear the noise with the entire heater/AC off.... Hoping for a tensioner

 

Hopefully just the pulley

Doing the entire assembly is the biggest pain

 

Leave the truck running and put the stethescope on the pulley bolt head of the idler and tensioner