AC compressor bearing

[Brett_jjj]

I have been chasing down a buzzing/whirring type noise in one of the pulley bearings of my V6 and Ive tracked it down to the AC compressor bearing.Can this bearing be replaced by the home mechanic and does anyone know what type of bearing it is,the part number for it would be good.I just replaced the two metal idler pulley bearings,they use 2 different size bearings,they were $6 for the smaller bearing for the upper idler pulley and $8 for the larger bearing on the lower idler pulley.

[hako]

If it's the one that spins when the A/C is OFF and doesn't spin (locked solid) when A/C is on then it can be replaced - from memory it's a twin row bearing and quite common. If it is the front bearing in the compressor and only rattles/makes a noise when the A/C is ON then it's cheaper to buy a new compressor.
I've checked all mine recently and I'll also be replacing some of mine as they are sounding as though they have no lubrication.

Edit...here is a how -to if its the former bearing.
VP aircon pump pulley

[Brett_jjj]

Thanks hako.The noise stays the same whether the AC is on or off.It changes volume a little bit though,its not quite as loud with the AC on.

[hako]

Thanks hako.The noise stays the same whether the AC is on or off.It changes volume a little bit though,its not quite as loud with the AC on.

That's strange - only one bearing rotates at a time....hope it's not both bearings. Usually when the front compressor bearing goes it will start leaking compressor oil out the front so that's also a sign. If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on the fault being another bearing somewhere else although the front part of the electromagnetic clutch (with the bearing in it) can develop loose rivets on the armature disc hub (see link for diagram). Hope it ends up simple as playing with aircon usually thins the wallet.

[Brett_jjj]

I have put a screwdriver on the compressor body and listened to it through the end of the screwdriver (like a stethoscope) and its making a horrible rumbling grinding type of sound. The alternator and water pump ,the power steering pump and tensioner pulley all sound just as quiet as the idler pulleys do after I replaced their bearings,They are heaps quiet compared to the compressor.Theres no sign of an oil leak at the compressor and the noise definitely goes away when the serpentine belt is removed,I tried that again today to tripple check it.Just replacing the idler pulley bearings has made a huge difference to how smooth the engine runs.Its very noticable,even the missus noticed the difference and said how smooth it felt.I just cant wait to get rid of this stupid noise now.

[RX25SE]

If it's the one that spins when the A/C is OFF and doesn't spin (locked solid) when A/C is on then it can be replaced

All the compressors I've seen, the pully bearing (inside the drive pulley) runs all the time. The inner race is circliped to the outer of the compressor housing nose. The compressor shaft (driven by the clutch) then runs inside the housing nose.
No need to open system to replace.
Number will be on the bearing.

Is VS different?

[hako]

All the compressors I've seen, the pully bearing (inside the drive pulley) runs all the time. The inner race is circliped to the outer of the compressor housing nose. The compressor shaft (driven by the clutch) then runs inside the housing nose.
No need to open system to replace.
Number will be on the bearing.

Is VS different?

Probably not - last one I replaced was on a MK4 but the Commos have Sanden I think. Apart from what you mention, the point I was trying to make was that if the front compressor bearing has failed (not the clutch bearing) then it can cost heaps as when the bearing fails it dumps the oil/gas plus dumps tiny pieces of busted bearing into the A/C lines which then needs to be flushed out.
I found another site on repairing the clutch bearing:GM A/C Compressor Clutch & Pulley Bearing Saga

and one on the bearing part number: http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/...tioning-clutch

[Brett_jjj]

Thanks for the info fellas.I had a read in the link you posted hako and I wonder if its worth doing it myself or just paying an AC place to do it as they will have the right tools and the knowhow etc.What do you guys think about it? Also does anyone know roughly the price of a new or reconditioned AC compressor?

[RX25SE]

the point I was trying to make was that if the front compressor bearing has failed

Ahhhhh.....I geddit

*pay attention son*

[hako]

There is a brand new one on Ebay for $470 however if the noise is from the clutch pulley bearing, new comp is not needed..plus you'd be up for the cost of gas/oil.
HOLDEN COMMODORE AIR-CON COMPRESSOR 6CLY VS - eBay Other, Cooling Systems, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 14-May-10 10:51:58 AEST)

[Brett_jjj]

Thanks again hako.Thats pretty cheap to what I thought Id have to pay if I end up needing a new one for whatever reason.I only had the system regassed a few months ago,it works excellent so I dont want to get another regas if I dont have to.Im gonna go see the guy that did the regas and see what he thinks,I might get him to do it if his price is fair.I will do a bit of calling around beforehand to get a rough idea of the cost of replacing the bearing.Thanks again everyone for the help and info.

[Brett_jjj]

I have called a couple of AC specialists and they tell me that the compressor has to come off the car which means a regas which is $130,and the bearing is around $80 and then another couple of hours of labour as well.Around $250 all up, another said $280.It sucks living in the middle of nowhere,theres little choice of where you can take it.Now for an extra $200 I can get a brand new compressor from ebay,fit it myself then just get the system regassed.I wonder if its worth spending the extra $200 for a brand new compressor.What do you guys think?

[hako]

I have called a couple of AC specialists and they tell me that the compressor has to come off the car which means a regas which is $130,and the bearing is around $80 and then another couple of hours of labour as well.Around $250 all up, another said $280.It sucks living in the middle of nowhere,theres little choice of where you can take it.Now for an extra $200 I can get a brand new compressor from ebay,fit it myself then just get the system regassed.I wonder if its worth spending the extra $200 for a brand new compressor.What do you guys think?

Why don't you contact "cheap6" who did the writeup on changing the bearing - he did it on the car without removing the compressor - I don't know why the A/C specialists say it must be removed when cheap6 has done the actual job. I've changed 2 in the past - one on a early Magna and one on a Jag XJ6L - both were done without removing the comp although they were both the old GM Delco style compressors. It's a good challenge anyway but I know what you mean about being stuck out in the middle of nowhere when you do something you are unsure of.
Good Luck.

EDIT...here is a link to the factory repair sheet for the compressor which explains how to remove/replace the bearing....sure don't look like rocket science to me! :
http://www.sanden.com/images/SD_Service_Guide_Rev.2.pdf

[Brett_jjj]

but I know what you mean about being stuck out in the middle of nowhere when you do something you are unsure of.

Just meant that when you live in the bush theres nowhere near the choice of AC specialists (or any service for that matter) that the guys have got that live in or near the cities ..theres probably 100 different places in sydney to choose from ..Ive got a choice of 2 places that I can take it too.I called a few different places and most said they havent got the tools needed to do it.