Bad noise. A/C compressor or Tensioner Pulley

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DenverDadofTwins

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Bad grinding noise only when the A/C is on and the engine revs.

No noise when the A/C is off or it’s just idling with the A/C on.


What do you think? Is it just the tensioner pulley or could it be the A/C compressor going bad? Air blows cold
 

OR VietVet

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That sounds like the tensioner for that belt. The reason it could be that is that the belt and tensioner is under a larger load with the a/c on. I would do the tensioner and the belt and the other belt, tensioners and idlers if they are the same age. The way to really pin it down is with a mechanic's stethoscope.


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Tonyrodz

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That sounds like the tensioner for that belt. The reason it could be that is that the belt and tensioner is under a larger load with the a/c on. I would do the tensioner and the belt and the other belt, tensioners and idlers if they are the same age. The way to really pin it down is with a mechanic's stethoscope.


We recommend that you put all your rig(s) info in your signature so we all don’t have to guess at year, make, model, engine size, trans, rear axle locker…….etc. While you may have posted pertinent info in your first post, you may forget to do it again and the info is needed by us anyway. Makes it way easier on all members that attempt to help, to have that info right up front. It is also recommended that you take a pic of your RPO codes, on the inside cover of the glove box, and post that image in your signature. All this info will greatly help those that will try to help with a problem.


If there is any other info, like upgrades, mods or recent mechanical/maintenance work done, that would be helpful in any post as well. Too many times a question is asked by the poster and after about 10 responses we find out that the poster has done recent work to attempt to fix the problem or work that was done that SEEMS not related to the problem.
X2 on the tensioner.
 

Doubeleive

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replace the tensioner if the noise does not go away then it is the compressor, the video was too short for me to really determine.
the sound could be either one, a tensioner is not that much cost and really easy to do, just stick the end of a 3/8" socket in the center hole of the tensioner pulley, twist it and remove the belt, remove the 2 bolts and replace, put the ratchet back on twist and put the belt back on. 10 minute job if that.
 

03greenZ71

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It is your compressor. Common with GM. You think it’s the tensioner but the compressor is worn inside causing it to not spin correctly and causes the compressor to start “bucking” which makes the belt flutter and eventually get bad enough to jump off and shred. There was a tab from gm on this.
 
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DenverDadofTwins

DenverDadofTwins

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Whelp you
It is your compressor. Common with GM. You think it’s the tensioner but the compressor is worn inside causing it to not spin correctly and causes the compressor to start “bucking” which makes the belt flutter and eventually get bad enough to jump off and shred. There was a tab from gm on this.


Yep. Seems like that’s the case.

Replaced the A/C tensioner and belt and it shredded the new one.

Shit. Bigger job than I had hoped
 

afpj

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Curious while you had the AC belt and tensioner off, did you try to turn the compressor pulley to see if it was grinding or making noise?
 

03greenZ71

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It’s not too bad of a job, costs about $200 for the kit without a condenser, $240 with it. It’s recommended to change the condenser as it traps metal particals from the compressor failure. Change the orifice, accumulator, and flush out all lines to remove contaminated. Takes about 2 hours to do so not too bad and will save you a ton of money. Only thing is you need a vacuum pump to remove moisture from the system before recharging. I just did mine a few weeks ago.
 

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