Anyone know what the problem might be (2010 Tahoe) when AC engages, squeaky noise is dining from AC compressor? AC works fine, the belt does not slip. Many threads about it and suggesting to check the tensioner, but what tensioner? AC unit does not run off surpentine belt. Is the AC compressor going bad? The clutch seems to engage/disengage just fine. Thanks.
Squeaky AC Compressor Noise
- Thread starter TahoeLT10
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
When the clutch engages it is then that the compressor itself is put in motion. If it only happens when clutch is engaged, then I suspect the start of a failing compressor. A mechanic's stethoscope would pin the noise down. I have only made this same stethoscope statement here probably 1000 times and is very inexpensive.
There used to be a bearing in the front for the pulley that you could replace separately but that may not be doable now but that is also rotating before the clutch is even engaged. The compressor is a whole unit replacement unless there is a way to open and replace as needed and you have the tools and knowledge. Use a GM compressor instead of aftermarket. Also, do the accumulator and orifice when you do it and flush out the system while apart.
I guess you can use a used compressor but that is a crap shoot. I would not use a used accumulator or orifice. IMO, you should have diagnosed by a qualified tech or just do what you want and hope the guesswork here is right.
The vehicle is old, salvage rebuilt by me 6 years ago, drives fine, but starting to have miscellaneous issues that requires work. Since I do all the work myself, it doesn't cost too much to maintain it. When I bought it I knew I will run it untill it's dead. I totally agree that buying used is a gamble, but then again the vehicle is old. In my current lifestyle where I move for work every 2 years finding a good mehanic is just as much of a gamble as buying a used compressor. Will give it a shot.
If you have the tools and the know how and knowing now it is an old salvage, I would do as you are thinking. You can remove the orifice and replace with new after flushing or hell, just blowing everything out with compressed air. Reuse the old accumulator but leave the system on vacuum for a long time, like maybe 3 hours. The longer it is on vacuum the more chance you have of moisture in the system boiling and sucking out with the vacuum. Used compressor if you must. BUT, and this is the kicker, if it works now, leave it alone and use it but IMO, if I was you, I would just unplug the clutch and run your heat and defrost and deal with it all when the weather heats up. Leave it alone for now and tune out the noise.
Just Fishing
Can't fix stupid
I got a used ac compressor in my S10 when the original froze one hot summer day.
got it off of ebay, the seller did a terrible job of packing it.
All of the oil had leaked out during shipping.
Box was soaked.
good news, the old oil was outta there...
If you have never done it before, then you need a vacuum pump in order to remove moisture.
You will want to flush the condenser and evaporator.
Air compressor is handy here, and you can get a flush bottle off of amazon pretty cheap.
Cheaper to buy the cans of flush vs the pressurized cans of flush.
put it back together with a new drier, do not leave the drier open to air very long or it will suck the moisture from the air and be ruined.
Use the vac pump to hold a vacuum so any moisture from the air in the lines will boil and get sucked out.
It's not too hard of a job, i have done it twice now.
first time was with my old vette, did a 134a conversion, the lines were real bad.
got it off of ebay, the seller did a terrible job of packing it.
All of the oil had leaked out during shipping.
Box was soaked.
good news, the old oil was outta there...
If you have never done it before, then you need a vacuum pump in order to remove moisture.
You will want to flush the condenser and evaporator.
Air compressor is handy here, and you can get a flush bottle off of amazon pretty cheap.
Cheaper to buy the cans of flush vs the pressurized cans of flush.
put it back together with a new drier, do not leave the drier open to air very long or it will suck the moisture from the air and be ruined.
Use the vac pump to hold a vacuum so any moisture from the air in the lines will boil and get sucked out.
It's not too hard of a job, i have done it twice now.
first time was with my old vette, did a 134a conversion, the lines were real bad.
Just Fishing
Can't fix stupid
oh, and my nearly 180k tahoes ac compressor makes a nice sqeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee noise when on.
i'm pretty sure it's getting close to the end of it's life.
it's on the list of things to take care of.
i'm pretty sure it's getting close to the end of it's life.
it's on the list of things to take care of.
George B
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It could still be the belt. Mine is a stretch to fit and started making an awful screeching when the ac kicked on. In the process of trying to find the issue I sprayed the belt with brakeclean and made it 100 times worse. I used some spray graphite to temporarily quiet it down until I could get a new belt and the tool to remove and install it. No more noise now.
So the noise is gone after replacing the belt? Good to know as I will try it first before doing the AC compressor. Waiting for weather to warm up.
George B
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Yes. My belt was not slipping but was worn and pulling down too far into the pulley. The edges of the back were rubbing the sides of the outside grooves and making noise. Took me 10 minutes tp change using the Lisle brand belt tool.
Thanks for all the help, gents. The AC is on my low priority list right now as it is still cold outside and it still works. The vehicle is taken apart currently in and out as I am working on many small(er) issues now with main one being transfer case swap due to stretched chain. Just ran tech2win scan and shit ton of codes popped up (nothing is lit in the dash). Kind of scared me but after doing some reading is seems that is it due many components currently being off the vehicle (side mirror, pillars, dome light module, stereo, etc) and it is crazy that all is interconnected.
Similar threads
