Grinding type noise from

[wresleu]

the compressor/condensor. Not only does it do it when the a/c is on, but also when the heat is on any of the settings other than floor. So I'm assuming it must be a bearing or something in the compressor? Is it possible for a DIY'er to replace the bearing in one of these, or is this a job better left to a pro? I'm not afraid of getting dirty, but I don't have a single a/c related tool in my possession. I'd imagine that the hoses require a special tool to be removed? Anyone else had this similar problem...if so what did it turn out to be? The truck still has a/c and everything, but it really sounds bad when it's on.

[Eatonpcat]

Same problem here, Originally thought about bypassing the compressor with a belt from a truck w/o AC.. But found out it wasn't that easy.. My truck sounded like a jet engine.. Didn't want to take the chance and just change the bearing. For me the hardest thing was rerouting the belt.

[mjunk1]

I haven't done a lot with AC but I would be inclined to take it to someone. Those systems are under a lot of pressure on the high side and I always worry that I might do something and catch an eye full of R134 or something worse. I believe there are special tools to be able to drain the pressure off safely and then changing the bearing would be possible.

I don't shy away from too much on my truck, but the AC system is one of them.

[Eatonpcat]

Don't be afraid of a little 134 to the snout.... It tastes like chicken

[Club Wagon]

While almost any DIY repair is "possible" this 1 is not usually recommended. Mostly rebuilt compressors are installed by "a pro". When I had an AC clutch idler bearing go nobody even stocked these external compressor parts! If your "noise" hasn't gone on long there is a slim chance you could revive it for awhile by adding a refrigerant oil charge.

Originally Posted by wresleu

Is it possible for a DIY'er to replace the bearing in one of these, or is this a job better left to a pro? I'm not afraid of getting dirty, but I don't have a single a/c related tool in my possession. I'd imagine that the hoses require a special tool to be removed?

The AC hoses attach to the compressor via a manifold that comes off w/an ordinary wrench. The most valuable "special tool" in your case is a refrigerant recovery system. These costly shop tools recycle the R134 & vacuum dry the opened system in preparation to recharge it. While the "DIY'er" can R&R a compressor, few are equipped to save the R134 or evacuate the system.

After relentless antienvironmentalist bashing for mentioning "legal bull*****" I hesitate to recommend against the wasteful practice of dumping R135 that many 'shade tree' mechanics use. However dealing w/R134 is a major hurtle in replacing a compressor bearing or whole compressor.

[Eatonpcat]

Just call me Mr. Shadetree.... I believe doing it myself cost around $300.00 (including new belt & recharging system), I can't imagine what a shop would charge. Sometimes the enviroment has to take a hit.

[Club Wagon]

Venting R134 into the atmosphere & recharging are one thing. How do you evacuate the system after reassembling it to prepare it to be recharged?

Originally Posted by Eatonpcat

Just call me Mr. Shadetree.... I believe doing it myself cost around $300.00 (including new belt & recharging system), I can't imagine what a shop would charge. Sometimes the enviroment has to take a hit.

Leaving air & moisture inside the system may well lead your repair "to take a hit" prematurely. I've got a vacuum pump, an AC gauge manifold & an old friend w/refrigerant recycler.

Perhaps I did not make it clear that many a "DIYer" can R&R the compressor, leaving just the recharge to a pro, for someone w/o any AC tools.

Its also unclear if your "Mr. Shadetree" referred to replacing the compressor's bearing, which can require "special tools" or just swapping out the compressor.

[LxMan1]

I would replace the compressor. But it needs to be vacuumed down and properly done as in also replacing the receiver/dryer and orfice tube.

[Eatonpcat]

I replaced the compressor then took it to be recharged at a mechanic.