iantdopps

I filled my AC the other day, and I put just a bit too much it, and it started leaking. I saw where the leak was, and fixed it. And...my AC is still very cold. However, ever since then there is a small click click noise under the hood, at the front passengers side. It sounds like the compressor. Any suggestions?

Greg86andahalf

Where was the leak and did you have to discharge the system to fix it?

iantdopps

The leak was at the front passengers side at a connection that could be tightened with a screw driver. Once the excess pressure was out, the leak stopped, so I

iantdopps

....so I did not have to do anything else. Where can I get a new bearing at?

jpitman

IFF (if and only if) its the front compressor brg that the pulley runs on:-
- note clearance between front clutch plate and pulley front face.
-loosen centre nut (thin wall deep socket) using belt to hold pulley
- remove belt
- remove front clutch plate - splined to shaft.
- now you see brg - usually circliped on nose of compressor - remove clip, pull pulley off, probably complete with brg
- press out brg, get new one from brg shop
- fit new brg to pulley, press pulley onto compressor, fit circlip
- refit clutch plate, noting spacer washers and clearance.
- refit belt, tighten nut.

Then again, it may be something else, to do with clutch? Does it click when AC is on, or off, or all the time? Spin the pulley with belt off, and listen for brg noise.
HTH
jp

iantdopps

I thin kit is on all of the time the engine is running. Even if the air system is all off. So, does that mean bearing? Would I fix this from the top or the bottem of the car? What does a new bearing cost?

Greg86andahalf

Depending on your compressor type (model year of your car unknown, so I can't tell you which compressor you have), you MAY be able to do this:

Pull the clutch s described above. Take a pic and gently lift the bearing seal. Force, or rub new bearing grease into the bearing. Replace seal. I did this to mine (Nippondenso 6E171 compressor) and it quieted down the bearing and saved me the cost of a $30.00 replacement bearing.

Greg

jpitman

Ian,
I did mine from underneath mostly - its easier lying on the ground than leaning in over the radiator. I think I paid less than $20 for the bearing - it looks like a double row (wider than average for its diameter).
Loosen belt, spin pulley and see if it is the source of noise. Mine was just a background noise thing, but it was the bearing.
jp

dr bob

Compressor bearings make noise ONLY when the AC clutch is engaged. Until then, the AC compressor shaft doesn't turn, therefore no noise from those.

Clutch bearing makes noise only when the AC clutch is disengaged. Once engaged, the pulley and the center section spin at the same speed, therefore no noise from the bearing.


If you have a noise that's the same whether the AC is running or not, it's almost certainly something else. I'd be looking at the air pump that sits right above and to the right (in the car) of the AC compressor.

A mechanic's stethoscope is the weapon of choice when searching for bearing noises, so now's a perfect time to get one (<$10) and save yourself a pile of speculation and maybe a bit of work.

<img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

iantdopps

What does the air pump do?

iantdopps

is there a rotating part that would go bad if the AC was overfilled?

jpitman

Dr Bob - why would the pulley bearing stop turning because the clutch is engaged? The bearing inner is on the static nose of the compressor body, the outer carries the pulley - it is ALWAYS turning if the pulley is turning??

jp

dr bob

[quote]Originally posted by jpitman:
<strong>Dr Bob - why would the pulley bearing stop turning because the clutch is engaged? The bearing inner is on the static nose of the compressor body, the outer carries the pulley - it is ALWAYS turning if the pulley is turning??

jp</strong><hr></blockquote>

I guess I have to look again--

Per the manual diagram there is a pair of ball bearings that support the pulley from the compressor nose. My mistake.

<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Brett Jenkins

So, if I hear a squeal or squeak sorta noise, only when I push in the AC button, which bearing would it be? Please say pulley bearing, that one sounds easy and cheap to replace.

WallyP

If the problem is the pulley bearing, it spins anytime that the crank is turning and the belt is on the pulley. If the pulley bearing is bad, the noise will be pretty constant whether the A/C is on or off.

If you get a squeal or squeak only when the A/C compressor clutch is engaged and the compressor is turning, the first thing to do is to spray some water (water hose, squirt gun, squirt bottle) on the A/C belt with the compressor operating. If the noise changes noticeably or goes away, suspect the belt adjustment or condition.