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AC death rattle?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Kevins60, Jun 19, 2019.

  1. Jun 19, 2019 at 7:21 AM
    #1
    Kevins60

    Kevins60 [OP] axle wrap tells me my rear brakes are working

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    Starts off quiet and cools fine but after running maybe 10 minutes AC compressor sounds like chattering lifters in an old diesel engine when the compressor clutch engages. Clutch disengages and it’s quiet again. I replaced the tensioner pulley hoping it was anything except the compressor itself and it’s still doing it. I also bought a new compressor clutch bearing which I haven’t installed yet, again hoping it’s anything except the compressor itself.
    So I turn to my learned brethren and ask if the juice is worth the squeeze to replace the clutch bearing or should I resign myself to replacing the compressor (and accumulator)?
     
    GQ7227 likes this.
  2. Jun 19, 2019 at 8:00 AM
    #2
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon They call me "Jonny Stubs"

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    Sounds like the compressor. Making that much noise there's a good chance the system is full of debris. I would change compressor, condenser, dry/accumulator, expansion valve, flush the lines and evaporator.
     
    1997tacomav6, wilcam47 and GQ7227 like this.
  3. Jun 19, 2019 at 8:05 AM
    #3
    Xbeaus

    Xbeaus Well-Known Member

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    Have any idea how much that cost to have a specialist do that? I am all about doing my own maintenance but purging the system and filling back up sounds like bit of a disaster if you are novice at it.
     
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  4. Jun 19, 2019 at 8:21 AM
    #4
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon They call me "Jonny Stubs"

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    Roughly $1k
    $500 parts and supplies.
    $500 labor.
     
  5. Jun 19, 2019 at 8:23 AM
    #5
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    probably more, the evaporator is a labor intensive part to get out of the truck.

    If you take the compressor out (go to a shop and remove the freon first) and open up the top plate, see if there are metal shavings or greyish metallic goop inside.
     
  6. Jun 19, 2019 at 8:25 AM
    #6
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon They call me "Jonny Stubs"

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    If you don't do it all. You take a chance of having a plugged system or restricted from debris in the system. It will ruin a new compressor fairly quick.
     
  7. Jun 19, 2019 at 8:26 AM
    #7
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon They call me "Jonny Stubs"

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    True the expansion valve is in the evap box.
     
  8. Jun 19, 2019 at 8:26 AM
    #8
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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    yeah, I mean just take the compressor out to diagnose. Obviously if there are metal shavings, you're gonna have to replace everything and flush out the lines too.
     
  9. Jun 19, 2019 at 8:29 AM
    #9
    Xbeaus

    Xbeaus Well-Known Member

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    Good information to know. I don't like messing with the AC system. Kind of like plumbing. Leave that to someone who specializes in it.
     
  10. Jun 19, 2019 at 9:22 AM
    #10
    Kevins60

    Kevins60 [OP] axle wrap tells me my rear brakes are working

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    Nothing in the clutch itself would make noise except the bearing? It’s just that the AC works so well I don’t want to believe the compressor is shot. That and I hate to spend my allowance on necessary stuff.
     
  11. Jun 19, 2019 at 9:36 AM
    #11
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon They call me "Jonny Stubs"

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    The pulley bearing would make noise all the time.
     
  12. Jun 19, 2019 at 9:38 AM
    #12
    mechanicjon

    mechanicjon They call me "Jonny Stubs"

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    The compressor can still pump fine but something in the wobble plate that moves the pistons is going bad.
    wobble-part-kompresor-ac-mobil-300x212.jpg
     
  13. Jun 19, 2019 at 5:22 PM
    #13
    Kevins60

    Kevins60 [OP] axle wrap tells me my rear brakes are working

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    Thanks for the info. Found the compressor and accumulator on Amazon for $200. (Head bowed in resignation) Guess there is no avoiding this. I’ve the manifold and gauges, neighbor has the vacuum pump. so what am I missing....Oh yeah, $200. :mad:
     
  14. Jun 21, 2019 at 8:44 AM
    #14
    swdockter

    swdockter Well-Known Member

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    Kevin, I'm in the same boat. At 361,000+ miles, parts are starting to just wear out. My compressor squeals for a couple seconds on startup. I found an entire kit minus the evaporator at advanced auto. Looks like i'll be planning a complete system replacement and line flush.

    Let us know how things go...
     
  15. Jun 21, 2019 at 9:43 AM
    #15
    Kevins60

    Kevins60 [OP] axle wrap tells me my rear brakes are working

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    Will do. Going to start with compressor and receiver. I’ll decide if more drastic measures are needed once I get the old compressor opened up. Hopefully there won’t be and metal shards or debris.
     
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  16. Jun 21, 2019 at 10:13 AM
    #16
    CS_AR

    CS_AR Well-Known Member

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    I'm in the middle of the installation here today. The system came clean on the evaporator flush. The previous owner (or their shop) ruined the old compressor by not using oil. The system was dry as a bone when I took it apart.
     
  17. Jun 21, 2019 at 6:08 PM
    #17
    Speakerboy

    Speakerboy Well-Known Member

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  18. Jun 21, 2019 at 6:29 PM
    #18
    swdockter

    swdockter Well-Known Member

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    Yep...found that one today as well....thanks!

    I found a better deal at Rock Auto...not really looking forward to this but with all the guidance provided on this website, it makes it much less intimidating. I doubt this ranks up there with last years an oil pan replacement but I'm sure pretty close. Living in the midwest salt really takes a toll on every nut and bolt.
     
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  19. Jun 22, 2019 at 7:57 AM
    #19
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    have the pressures been checked? cant make any sort of a recomendation w/o a pressure check. It could be something as simple as low freon level.
     
  20. Jun 22, 2019 at 8:46 AM
    #20
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne Well-Known Member

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