Rep Power: 186

2002 civic ex

So, this morning, after a drive to the gas station I left my car running and went in to get something to drink. When I came back out I noticed a little grinding noise coming from the driver side wheel well area. It only happens when the compressor is engaged, so I'm sure it's a compressor bearing issue vice the clutch. When the compressor is off, no noise what so ever other than the normal hum of the engine can be heard. A/C works as it should. It has good pressure and blows cold. Compressor comes on every 45 seconds or so. I live in Hawaii, so this things been used everyday for the last 10 years.

My question is, how long should I wait to replace it? I'm thinking I should monitor it and if it gets worse and to the point that it's really grinding, then let common sense kick in and get it replaced. I obviously don't want to get it to the point that it's going to seize and destroy the drive belt and whatever else may occur with it attached to the crank pulley and the alternator.

Anybody have any experience with a compressor that was going bad?

ezone, your comments as a seasoned mechanic are what I'm really looking for, but of course any input is welcomed.

 
Rep Power: 518

Jeez.

Let's see here.....


(Smartazz? Check.)

I got nuthin. LOL
I can't hear it from here. Sounds quiet to me.




All compressors make some amount of noise.
Is yours excessive? Compare to an identical car?
Do both radiator fans run at the proper speed?
Not belt noise or fan noise?
You might pull the belt off and wiggle and spin the pulley just to make sure it isn't the bearing for it gone bad.

I never get to really experience compressor failures. I usually only see them AFTER is quits.

Has your system ever been opened up? System ever serviced? System oil lost for any reason? (If it has never ever been messed with, then it shouldn't be an oil problem unless it has been leaking, and if it has leaked freon out then it shouldn't be nice and cold.)

I see some choices...
Sell the car while it still works.
Replace the compressor now before it (possibly, take your chances) grenades and sends debris throughout the entire system.
Wait until it actually does grenade and see what the damage is.
Or let it grenade and just put a shorter belt on it to run the alternator (eliminate the compressor from the belt routing.) Belts are dirt cheap compared to a compressor.

It could just make some noise forever too. Enjoy the AC while it lasts.


If you do replace the compressor, keep in mind that cheapo aftermarket compressors are cheap for a reason.
My info shows a factory reman compressor at close to $500 MSRP, but it does include the clutch and coil for that price. (Oh yeah, plus additional price % markup for your Hawaii location.)

HTH

 
Rep Power: 186

LOL, ezone. Love the picture.

You know, honestly, for all I know, it's normal and I just now maybe noticed it. I'll have to listen to another identical car to find out. It's never been serviced, no leaks and has blown cold since the day I bought it. Both fans seem like they're working at the proper speeds and come on and off at the same time. What could I use to see if they're working at the proper rpm?

Definitely not belt or fan noise because it only hear it when the compressor kicks in. Otherwise everything sounds nice and smooth.

I'm just going to monitor it and see if it get's worse as well as compare the noise to another identical vehicle. I definitely will not let it grenade. I'll have the local dealership replace it with a reman if gets to that point where I think it needs to replaced.

Thanks for the input and smartazz picture.