i would like to know how difficult and what is involved in replacing ac compressor/condensor. what parts do i need as i notice the noise is apparent from the front right (next to pulley and alternator) only when the AC kicks in.

also would like to know if there are any good mechanics in the los angeles area except for stealerships.

 

Compressor and condensor are 2 different things. the condensor isnt mechanical so thats not going to be making any noise.

As for the compressor, its just 4 bolts BUT you will need to have teh AC system discharged first. then getting to its a pain. due to location.

 

Define the noise? All compressors make noise.

 

Go out to your car and start it up. Get someone to sit in your car while your under the hood. Tell them to cut your ac on and there ya go.

 

He knows what the noise is. and knows they make noise. He was asking for erik to describe the noise to see if its abnormal

 

is the noise a distinct rattling noise when the AC kicks on? I had this issue when I only had 25,000 on the car. It was embarrassing when I would pull up to a drive-thru and people can hear all the clanking/rattling and the car was brand new. There is a belt tension regulator that allows the belt to be flexed from extra stress on it (AC going on) but maintains the normal belt tensions at all times. It is just a roller-pulley pressing on the belt. I heard the noice coming from that pulley and brought my car into the dealership... they verified it was indeed that pulley and had a bad bearing that made noise under engine load. See, if you can trace the noice with AC running to the belt tensioner.

 

I replaced my compressor about 2 months ago and its not that hard....U'll need to remove the fan and the alternator to get to it. As long as u have all the tools it should be pretty easy.