Ac Compressor

[DaveB]

Hi all,

The AC compressor has begun making noise when it's working (clutch engaged), a bit like a diesel but quieter. I'm guessing that's not good? Anybody had this before?

cheers

DaveB

[nickrussel]

My pathfinder has been doing it for a couple of years, it should improve with airflow, if so it needs a regas. If not it needs a rebuild.

[zoomzoom]

Thats an abnormal sound is it? Bugger. Lol. Looks like I should do something about that then.

[DaveB]

Well, it might not be my compressor... The noise eventually got worse even with the AC turned off, and I found this:

It chewed up the belt and I cut it off. Need a new bracket and pulley now. There is sparkly alloy dust all over the swaybar etc.

Anybody know what could have caused this? The bearing still seems OK, oddly enough - spins freely and without noise or resistance.

[DaveB]

Pulley is a bit worse for wear. Replaced it, and replaced the bracket. For reference, in case anybody has to do this in the future (I can't think why you would but...) the bracket can be removed without too much trouble. Need to unbolt the compressor from the bracket, then unbolt the bracket from the engine. Remove airbox and two top metal intake pipes for clearance, as well as remove power steering pump (lines can remain attached) and move out of the way a bit. Plenty of room.

[nickrussel]

I would replace the bracket, but definitely the pulley and bearing. Bearings can be stuffed even if they're free and quiet. Bit odd for it to be that catastrophic though!

[DaveB]

I replaced both, I was concerned about the wear around where the pulley bolts on. It looks as though it might not sit flat anymore.