[vega]

when ac is off, my compressor is quiet. when ac is on and the clutch engages, the compressor lets out a howling noise ......increasing in pitch with rpm. cools fine. bad compressor? add oil?

 

[Daytrepper]

Low oil, or a bad bearing/internal damage most likely. They will howl when the swashplate gets scored...only remedy, replacement.

 

[furyman67]

Low oil, or a bad bearing/internal damage most likely. They will howl when the swashplate gets scored...only remedy, replacement.

X2 what he said, time for replacement
Tom

 

[DrDodge]

once in a great while,, you could add 1 or 2 ounces of oil , and it may hush,, see it happen twice ,, but that was a nissan,, replace it , before it craps out and fills the system with crud

 

[elliottrscott]

Are you guys talking about replacing the compressor and clutch assembly or just the clutch assembly. My 96 LHS is doing what sounds like the same thing - the clutch kicks in and makes a howling/growling sound. My first thought was the clutch assembly (bad bearing/contact). Does the damage go deeper than that?

 

[elliottrscott]

Are you guys talking about replacing the compressor and clutch assembly or just the clutch assembly. My 96 LHS is doing what sounds like the same thing - the clutch kicks in and makes a howling/growling sound. My first thought was the clutch assembly (bad bearing/contact). Does the damage go deeper than that?

In looking at what's involved, I suppose I could start with the clutch assembly, and if that doesn't do it, swap out the compressor next...

 

[TrepCruzin]

howl back at it.....sorry i couldn't resist. yeah if trying to add more freeon doesn't do the trick...it might be time for replacement.

 

[TrepCruzin]

In looking at what's involved, I suppose I could start with the clutch assembly, and if that doesn't do it, swap out the compressor next...

imo i would just swap out the compressor.....pretty easy job...discharge the system.....remove belt...remove electrical connection....remove the 2 ac lines from compressor and then the 3 bolts holding the compressor.

 

[L Kingma]

If you have a 2.7L engine check the tensioner bracket for cracking. I had a simular noise and the tenisioner braket was almost carcked in half causing the tensioner pulley to rub against the cylinder head when ever the a/c was on.