ac compressor noisy. Are these bolts rubbing the pully? (pictures)

[feedthemonkey]

I've noticed noisy squeak from the AC compressor. AC doesn't work anyway, so I unplugged it thinking it was maybe kicking on during defrost. Still noisy, so I took a closer look. I wonder if the two upper bolts behind the AC clutch pully are rubbing the pully. Should they be touching like that? ....probably not I'm guessing! (also, shooting laser thermometer says 450F in that spot after a few minutes)

Try to fix it (pry bar?)? replace pully? Or, just delete it by replacing the serpentine belt with a non-AC length? ...AC system isn't charged.

 

[Lee's Automotive]

I've noticed noisy squeak from the AC compressor. AC doesn't work anyway, so I unplugged it thinking it was maybe kicking on during defrost. Still noisy, so I took a closer look. I wonder if the two upper bolts behind the AC clutch pully are rubbing the pully. Should they be touching like that? ....probably not I'm guessing! (also, shooting laser thermometer says 450F in that spot after a few minutes)

Try to fix it (pry bar?)? replace pully? Or, just delete it by replacing the serpentine belt with a non-AC length? ...AC system isn't charged.

View attachment 436857View attachment 436856

That doesn't look right at all also there is a bigger gap on top of the clutch than the bottom so I'm thinking a pulley that is going bad and the bearing is almost gone I bet if you pull on the pulley you can move it back and forth which means you either replace the pulley/compressor or get a bypass belt

 

[feedthemonkey]

Thank you for that! Yeah, a gentle pry bar brings the pully out to what 'looks right'. Turning it back on, and the pully goes right back to rubbing. I think you're right-- that pully is shot. I'm going to get a bypass belt.

 

[Lee's Automotive]

Thank you for that! Yeah, a gentle pry bar brings the pully out to what 'looks right'. Turning it back on, and the pully goes right back to rubbing. I think you're right-- that pully is shot. I'm going to get a bypass belt.

Yep that's your best bet and your welcome bro

 

[feedthemonkey]

Would you recommend I install the AC bypass pulley, or a shorter belt? My local AZ has both in stock, and I seem to find competing viewpoints on the forum for which is better.

 

[DaSovietPotato]

I think a shorter belt would be ideal.

 

[donalds]

Replace the pulley clutch assembly. Easy repair

 

[Lee's Automotive]

Would you recommend I install the AC bypass pulley, or a shorter belt? My local AZ has both in stock, and I seem to find competing viewpoints on the forum for which is better.

I would just replace the pulley/clutch as @donalds mentioned its easy to do

 

[~X~]

If you use your A/C you'll need a new clutch. The compressor will probably fail shortly after. It's the luck of the draw.

A new clutch will bring your belt alignment back. AC delete belts are a good option.

 

[feedthemonkey]

clear as mud! I count two votes for repair/replace and two for shorter belt.

Given that the system doesn't contain any R12, and I don't plan to bring it back online anytime soon, I'm leaning to the "easy delete" solution of a shorter belt and just let an unplugged compressor sit there. My suspicion is that the whole compressor (not just the pulley) as well as other components of the AC system will all need attention when that project comes to the top of the list. I think fixing the pulley now might be putting good parts on to bad.

Seriously though-- thanks for all the input guys. I'm pretty new to this stuff, and hearing your opinions is really helpful. Seems as though I've got multiple solutions that will get it done. That's relieving!

 

[Lee's Automotive]

clear as mud! I count two votes for repair/replace and two for shorter belt.

Given that the system doesn't contain any R12, and I don't plan to bring it back online anytime soon, I'm leaning to the "easy delete" solution of a shorter belt and just let an unplugged compressor sit there. My suspicion is that the whole compressor (not just the pulley) as well as other components of the AC system will all need attention when that project comes to the top of the list. I think fixing the pulley now might be putting good parts on to bad.

Seriously though-- thanks for all the input guys. I'm pretty new to this stuff, and hearing your opinions is really helpful. Seems as though I've got multiple solutions that will get it done. That's relieving!

Yep honestly i would do the belt just because its winter and your in Denver so you won't need A/C for awhile

 

[feedthemonkey]

I replaced with shorter belt. Noise gone. Problem solved. Thanks! (I'll be back for the AC system in the spring!)

 

[Lee's Automotive]

I replaced with shorter belt. Noise gone. Problem solved. Thanks! (I'll be back for the AC system in the spring!)

Great we will be here waiting