Air Con Noises!!!

[will-wallace]

My air con compressor makes a loud noise when not in use( sounding like a dry or shot bearing) BUT!!! the noise goes away when the air con is turned on ???

Any thoughts Anyone?

[mundine]

take off the belt and check the harmonic ballancer if it turns then you nee a new one and check all the pullys

[azzfox]

sounds like the AC clutch bearing. the pulley turns independently to the AC compressor until its engaged by the clutch (when turning the AC on).

[accentstencil]

sounds like the AC clutch bearing. the pulley turns independently to the AC compressor until its engaged by the clutch (when turning the AC on).

I agree, clutch bearing. Should be a cheap fix.

[pjdm1980]

Had the same prob with my vp and change the pump/re-gas and haven't heard a noise since, just be ready for a fight with the bolts on the bracket if they where anything like mine (TIGHT AS, AND TIGHT FOR SPACE)

[accentstencil]

Had the same prob with my vp and change the pump/re-gas and haven't heard a noise since, just be ready for a fight with the bolts on the bracket if they where anything like mine (TIGHT AS, AND TIGHT FOR SPACE)

I would have just replaced the bearing for a few bucks, no need to remove or replace compressor.

[pjdm1980]

I would have just replaced the bearing for a few bucks, no need to remove or replace compressor.

Whats a bearing worth and how do you get it out sounds like it might be cheaper way?

[accentstencil]

Whats a bearing worth and how do you get it out sounds like it might be cheaper way?

It's been about 12 years since I replaced mine on a VN. I'm guessing a bearing would cost $30-40 dollars and you need to remove the clutch and the aircon pulley to get to the bearing. I can't remember if the bearing is pressed in or held in with a circlip. They changed it in the VT and made it difficult to replace the bearing.

[pjdm1980]

It's been about 12 years since I replaced mine on a VN. I'm guessing a bearing would cost $30-40 dollars and you need to remove the clutch and the aircon pulley to get to the bearing. I can't remember if the bearing is pressed in or held in with a circlip. They changed it in the VT and made it difficult to replace the bearing.

So you probably have to pull the pump out?

[accentstencil]

So you probably have to pull the pump out?

It probably would have been easier with the compressor out but I did it with out removing it to avoid the cost of regassing.
I just remembered that it is hard to get the clutch off, I had to make a threaded tool to pull it off.

[HARVZ-6]

or just leave the ac on all the time..

no harm in that

[pjdm1980]

or just leave the ac on all the time..

no harm in that

Prob cost a bit in fuel

[s_t_r_e_t_c_h]

It's been about 12 years since I replaced mine on a VN. I'm guessing a bearing would cost $30-40 dollars and you need to remove the clutch and the aircon pulley to get to the bearing. I can't remember if the bearing is pressed in or held in with a circlip. They changed it in the VT and made it difficult to replace the bearing.

i need to replace the bearings in my vt calais.. do i just go to the shop and ask for bearings? or what do i need?

any help would be great..

[camstatic]

Most workshops will refuse to change the bearing over and just offer to sell you an exchange pump. Last time I checked there was an abundance of aircon compressors for commodores on ebay, not bad pricing either.

[HARVZ-6]

the effect on fuel consumption is minimal..

i always left myne on when it worked.. n mum has hers one constantly and still averages 800ks to a tank

[levymetal]

the effect on fuel consumption is minimal..

i always left myne on when it worked.. n mum has hers one constantly and still averages 800ks to a tank

i think his point is that he wants to fix the problem, not mask it. btw: ac does affect fuel consumption AND performance. minimal is measurable and still equates to a waste.

[pjdm1980]

i think his point is that he wants to fix the problem, not mask it. btw: ac does affect fuel consumption AND performance. minimal is measurable and still equates to a waste.

Spot on!!!

[accentstencil]

i need to replace the bearings in my vt calais.. do i just go to the shop and ask for bearings? or what do i need?

any help would be great..

You will probably need to buy a whole new pulley because the bearing is sort of welded in and would be difficult but not impossible to replace. I assume you are talking about the pulley bearing. If it is noisy without the aircon on it's the pulley bearing and if it is noisy with the aircon on, then it is the compressor bearing.

[s_t_r_e_t_c_h]

all fixed, it was the idler pulley next to it.. just brought 3 new pulleys gonna fit them tomara..

[ibs87]

You will probably need to buy a whole new pulley because the bearing is sort of welded in and would be difficult but not impossible to replace. I assume you are talking about the pulley bearing. If it is noisy without the aircon on it's the pulley bearing and if it is noisy with the aircon on, then it is the compressor bearing.

yeh i got the same problem but only makes noise when air con is ON..goes away when turned OFF. So u reckon compressore bearings? Is that the one thats welded..o pretty simple to get out. Steps to do it would b gr8? and parts too thanks.

[accentstencil]

yeh i got the same problem but only makes noise when air con is ON..goes away when turned OFF. So u reckon compressore bearings? Is that the one thats welded..o pretty simple to get out. Steps to do it would b gr8? and parts too thanks.

I'm not too sure but I don't think you can change the compressor bearing so you would need a new compressor. I could well be wrong and I'm sure someone will correct me if I am.