Hey all, I've got 2001 3.2 CL with just over 63,000 miles on it, and when I turn the A/C on, I hear a whining sound...like the sound your power steering pump or tranny would make when it's giving out. The sound is more noticable when I'm pulling away from a stop, and it's increases/decreases with engine speed, especially when it's getting ready to shift. I don't hear it at all when the A/C isn't on, so I don't think it's the tranny or the power steering pump.

I've already changed the belt tensioner and serpentine belt, but to no avail.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,
Dave

 

I assume its coming from the engine bay? The bearings in the a/c compressor could be shot. You wont hear it when the a/c is off since the clutch on the compressor isnt engaged.

 

One of the compressor pistons is going out

 

Thanks for the responses...at 63,000 miles is it normal for the a/c compressor to give out?

Dave

 

No, that's not normal.

 

If it is the compressor...replace it asap. You don't want it to fail & seize up. That will let the pieces of the bearings into the ac system & mess everything up. Just went through this with my explorer. The compressor seized up. I had pieces of metal in the entire system, every part had to be replaced.

 

Compressor is on its way out. I had same problem two years ago. I had to pay $1200 for parts labor recharge etc. If you doing it dont just change compressor there is few thing that its good to change once u are there. If its done good should last long time.

 

my ac whines and my mechanic said it's fine to just let it run into the ground and replace it when it goes out

maybe time for another guy to look at it

 

I would start by looking into your belt....a friend had a similar whine from when he started the AC system and it was the belt...

 

Thanks for all the replies. Swoosh, I already changed the belt and the tensioner, and I still have the noise. If I have to end up changing the compressor, how labor intensive is it? I'm pretty good with turning a wrench, but an A/C system is something I've never done. Any info/help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

 

Probably will have to discharge the system as its under pressure. I don't have any AC equipment at home so I'd take it to a mechanic.

 

When compressor seizes entire system gets contaminated with metal shavings that have to be cleaned. All lines have to be disassembled and blown clean. In many cases expansion valve gets clogged -this alone, in most shops, puts you about $700 behind . In addition drier and sometimes condenser has to be replaced. Sorry but your "mechanic" has to revise his thinking

 

that's what i thought. i'll probably get it looked at again, but since i haven't driven my car much i figured it could wait. plus, i'm SF and it rarely gets hot enough for the ac

 

In SF,

 

If you are planing on compressor replacement it is generally a good idea to replace drier too. Any dirty contaminants usually end up in a drier unless your compressor seizes - than you ll have it in the entire system. You ll need new O-rings 2 for compressor lines and 2 for drier. You may get OEM or buy generic set of various AC O-orings @ A-zone and about 2 oz of oil. Remanufactured compressors usually come preloaded with oil so you add 2oz for drier only. There is nothing tricky about mechanical work. Compressor is usually held by 4 bolts + 2 for AC lines. I ve done it on a CL and I think I removed it through the bottom - it s been a while though cant be positive on that. Recharge requires vacuuming but if you do not have AC equipment just fill the system with half the bottle , discharge and refill fully.