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AC compressor grinding

Jason3 on Sat August 14, 2010 2:25 AM User is offline

Year: 89
Make:

My car has a Harrison compressor. I believe the R4 model.

I noticed the clutch slipping some I guess that is what you call it. Noticed some on the defrost setting the clutch moving in slow motion. And notice the pulley was hard to turn some, and I spray it with penetrating oil, and that freed it up.

Though, the clutch usually turns fine. But I can hear a grinding sound with my stethoscope on the compressor.

Is there any checks I can do to tell if the grinding is a bad clutch, or a bad compressor? I had it filled up several months ago.

I did call a shop about letting them check out the AC system as they said they have a machine to check for leaks. But I told them that wasn't what I needed, but to find out if the grinding is a bad clutch or bad compressor. They said they would be able to tell which was bad, but I figure they are BSing as I'm betting it would be a waste of money as they'd probably just tell me what I already know that it is grinding via a stethoscope and that means either clutch or compressor.

1stbscout on Sat August 14, 2010 9:39 AM User is offlineView users profile

If the grinding noise is there all the time .... most likely it is the clutch making the noise. If it is only there when the compressor is engaged then it is a bad compressor.

GM Tech on Sat August 14, 2010 9:40 AM User is offline

Take belt off-- spin pulley--- does it grind? is it smooth.....if rough- you need a new pulley bearing....if smooth, and grinding only occurs with a/c on-- then a new pump is in mind..... .pretty simple way to analyze

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

Cussboy on Sat August 14, 2010 5:10 PM User is offline

Quote
Originally posted by: GM Tech
Take belt off-- spin pulley--- does it grind? is it smooth.....if rough- you need a new pulley bearing....if smooth, and grinding only occurs with a/c on-- then a new pump is in mind..... .pretty simple way to analyze

I agree with above. If you have clearance, you can pull the AC clutch, then replace it or the bearing, and re-install it without discharging. You didn't state what kind of vehicle.

I believe I have several used R4 AC clutches in my garage (Phoenix), just installed a complere R4 compressor about March into mine.

Edited: Sat August 14, 2010 at 5:11 PM by Cussboy

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