Giggity

Just picked up a 02' Z28 A4. The car has been very well maintained but it had been sitting for almost a year before I bought it.

When the A/C is *off*, there is constant noise coming from the compressor clutch. I guess you could say it almost sounds like a hiss. The sound goes away immediately after I turn on the A/C and of course the sound returns when I turn the A/C off.

I'm not familiar with the operation of the clutch, could I damage anything by simply spraying some lubricant right into the front of the clutch?

fleetmgr

You won't hurt anything, but you won't help anything either. That's a sealed bearing, so the spray lube won't get where you want it...all you'll do is make a mess. Time for a new clutch.

rpmauto

iTrader: (14)

Yep, bout the only other thing that might work is to get a puller and give the clutch a little more air gap so it doesnt make contact when not engaged. not very much or the magnet wont pull the clutch in. The best fix though is a new clutch.

Giggity

Thanks for the responses guys. How do people feel about getting parts at Auto Zone? Would I be better off going straight to the GM dealership?

fleetmgr

Autozone should be ok. NAPA would be better.

Giggity

I see they sell just the clutch bearing. Is that most likely the culprit? Bearing in mind that it only makes noise when it's not engaged and is silent when it is engaged. Thank you for the help.

fleetmgr

Yup, that's the problem. The bearing only comes into play when the A/C is off, as that's when the pulley freewheels. When the A/C is on, the clutch engages and the whole assemble spins in turning the compressor.

If you'll look at the pulley/clutch assembly with the engine running, A/C off and then again with the A/C on, you'll see what I'm talking about.

tecmec

iTrader: (1)

I have the exact same problem, and I've just been putting off repairing it. How hard is it to actually replace that bearing? You have to pull the clutch, no? Do you need a puller to get the clutch off?

Gatsby

iTrader: (7)

Thank you! I have the same issue and it's very annoying.

Can someone post how to do the replacement? I looked at the ac compressor and it looks like theres no bolts or anything on the face to get the pulley off.

fleetmgr

There's a nut holding it on. You'll need something to hold it while you turn the nut.

Gatsby

iTrader: (7)

Oh okay I see it now, so is it just, old off new on? I won't have to worry about the refrigerant will I?

Thank you.

fleetmgr

That's pretty much it. You won't be disturbing anything in the refrigerant side of things.

Giggity

Also looking for a response to this. Will I need to rent any tools to do this job myself?

fleetmgr

As long as you've got basic hand tools, no.

Giggity

Thank you for all the fast replies! I have access to a lot of tools, just wondering if I needed any specialty tools to pull/press the bearing on. Thanks for clearing that up.

I will attempt this fix this weekend and I'll see if I can snap a few pics.

rpmauto

iTrader: (14)

it has been awhile since i looked at the compressor on my t/a, but most gm compressors need a special puller to remove and install the clutch. there is a nut, but the clutch is still pressed on.

tecmec

iTrader: (1)

According to the service manual you are correct, unfortunately.

Gatsby

iTrader: (7)

So what's needed to yank it off and put it back on?

99huggerorangeZ

iTrader: (2)

check to make sure your a/c belt tensioner and idler pulley are ok, i was having the same issue with my car,it sits most of the time. anyway it ended up being the a/c belt tensioner and idler pulley and i threw on a belt for good measure-NOISE GONE

deelong4002

iTrader: (8)

If it's anything like the one on my ford truck, i used a pry bar to get it off, and you should be able to lightly tap the new one back into place. dont just replace the bearing cause you will have a hell of a time getting it out of there.