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Noise from a/c compressor pulley[700/1988] posted by David Steffy on
Wednesday, 5 July 2000, at 10:30 p.m.
The A/C compressor pulley or bearing on our 745T (~150k) is making a moderate grinding noise. That's definitely the source--it goes away, or at least changes, when the clutch engages the compressor. It's not horrible, but noticeable and definitely not the way it used to be.
1) Is this fatal/urgent, or should I just let it deteriorate and then deal with it?
2) Is there any way to service the bearing in place, or must the compressor be disassembled and rebuilt completely? In other words, is the bearing outside the refrigerant seals. The FAQ had some discussion on the clutch, but it wasn't clear to me if the bearing was serviceable.
Thanks for the help!
--
Dave S.
Re: Noise from a/c compressor pulley[700/1988] posted by Don Foster on
Thursday, 6 July 2000, at 7:20 a.m.
Dave --
The clutch & bearing assembly can be removed, serviced, and reinstalled without touching the compressor. From your description, it certainly sounds as if the clutch and/or bearing has a problem, not the compressor.
All-in-all, a good shop should have you out in less than an hour.
But as Richard suggests, if you wait for total failure, you might do more damage. I would not wait for meltdown—consider what might happen (to the radiator, for example) if the pulley flies off the compressor at 70 mph, or if the bearing freezes solid 100 miles from home.
--Thursday, 6 July 2000, at 12:00 p.m.
I have yet to do this to my 245, but the bearing inside the compressor clutch pulley IS replaceable. You just need to get to someone with a good puller/and/or press. Apparently, from previous discussions on the RWD forum, the bearing itself is a standard metric size and should be available for $30 or so.
My car has had the same problem for a while now; my mechanic lent his puller to someone who lost it/broke it, the damn noise is driving me crazy. Now it is not only making that grinding noise, but it started to sound like serious intermittent metallic shrapnel in there and I just can't wait for it to seize up! But really, I think you've probably got some time (unlike me). Mine's been going downhill for more than a couple of months.
But if your A/C is functional, then this repair is the easy and cheap way to go. That bearing is constantly spinning when the engine is running, so it sees some serious wear. Replace it and all is well.
--1986 245DL 148K I'm still workin' on the upgrades
Re: Noise from a/c compressor pulley[200/86] posted by Bill Houston on
Thursday, 6 July 2000, at 8:20 p.m.
The bearing in my 740 1986 is a NSK 35BD219T12VVCG33. I bought one
through a local bearing supplier. Didn't solve my problem. I have a
shaking clutch and still haven't found why.
Bill Houston