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Noisy Compressor

Lynnrb on Tue February 15, 2011 4:33 PM User is offline

Year: 2000
Make: Honda
Model: Civic
Engine Size: 1600
Refrigerant Type: 134
Ambient Temp: na
Pressure Low: na
Pressure High: na

Compressor is noisy when off or on. Bearing whine is loud and metallic when off more rattling when on. Still cools as normal. The clutch bearing is defiantly bad. Could this just be the clutch only. Or is it the compressor bearing also? Thanks lynn

Edited: Tue February 15, 2011 at 4:43 PM by Lynnrb

NickD on Wed February 16, 2011 4:37 AM User is offline

Let me think here for a moment. With the compressor clutch disengaged, the only thing in that area that is turning is the clutch pulley that is riding on a double roll bearing. So it has to be the bearing. If making a whine, could seize up at any moment.

I think your car is still using a multiple belt system, but would know in a second by opening the hood, with a single belt system, if that belt breaks, will leave you stranded. If you have a separate belt for the compressor, would remove that until you replace that bearing. You can also hand turn the hub and check for any bindings, should be smooth and effortless to be sure the compressor is okay. What, Honda is not greasing their bearings either, they use to. Would last forever.

mk378 on Wed February 16, 2011 7:27 AM User is offline

The 2000 Civic has a separate belt for the A/C. Loosen the belt so you can spin the compressor and idler pulleys by hand and see which one (or both) is noisy. (To loosen belt, loosen-- don't remove-- the nut on the idler spindle then turn the jack screw behind the idler counterclockwise.) If it's just the idler, that's a simple and inexpensive fix. The bearing in the idler should be the commonly available #6203.

The compressor pulley bearing can be replaced without changing the whole compressor or discharging the refrigerant. But it's hard to find the bearing sold separately usually you have to buy a clutch set consisting of pulley with bearing already installed, coil and clutch plate. If there's been a lot of miles with the A/C on, consider replacing the whole compressor instead since no machine lasts forever particularly these scroll compressors. Since it still cools I'd think the inside of the compressor is still OK. When something goes wrong they literally blow to smithereens and leave parts on the road.

Edited: Wed February 16, 2011 at 7:30 AM by mk378

Lynnrb on Wed February 16, 2011 8:47 AM User is offline

Thanks for your replies. Yes lots of miles, so it is wise to replace the compressor. thanks.

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