AC Compressor shot

[66427]

So as I pulled in my neighborhood last night heard a nasty clicking/knocking/squealing sound from under the hood and had fears of something terminal. Once I popped the hood I quickly realized it's coming from the front of the AC Compressor.
I cycled the AC on and off a few times, and the sound was less when the AC was on and the compressor was under load, but definitely still there.
It does not look like a difficult job to change, and Rock Auto has new compressors for $157 (reman for $198).

So are there any hidden difficulties? Anything else a "MUST" change or must do?
I'm hoping I can go a local shop and have them vac out the Freon, go home and change the compressor, return for a 134A recharge.

2001 5.0 with 192k if it matters.
Already changed water pump and alternator, so I might change the idler pulley while the belt is off. I tend to rev it up a bit.

 

[koda2000]

Assuming the issue is the compressor and not just the clutch/pulley bearing that's causing your noise...

The system should be evacuated before disconnecting the lines. After removing the compressor you need to thoroughly flush the system to remove any debris (which will quickly destroy a new compressor) plus adding a pre-compressor in-line filter is a really good idea. It's also a good idea to replace the accumulator/drier and the orifice tube (if so equipped) as debris will clog these. Before recharging the system you should draw a vacuum to remove air and moisture from the system and to check for leaks. Installing a new compressor will require adding the correct amount & type of compressor oil to the system before recharging with the correct amount of refrigerant.

 

[66427]

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Assuming the issue is the compressor and not just the clutch/pulley bearing that's causing your noise...
I am assuming the new compressor will come with clutch and pulley and that at 192k I might as well change the whole unit. How do I tell if it is the clutch or bearing? Because that pertains to whether or not there could be debris in the rest of the system.

The system should be evacuated before disconnecting the lines.
I understand this and will go to a shop to have it vac'd out

After removing the compressor you need to thoroughly flush the system to remove any debris (which will quickly destroy a new compressor)
How is this done?

plus adding a pre-compressor in-line filter is a really good idea.
Probably not. 192k, I will always use top shelf parts but not my goal right now to keep forever.

It's also a good idea to replace the accumulator/drier and the orifice tube (if so equipped) as debris will clog these.
Where/What are these? Cost?

Before recharging the system you should draw a vacuum to remove air and moisture from the system and to check for leaks. Installing a new compressor will require adding the correct amount & type of compressor oil to the system before recharging with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Copy that, hence why I will try to find a local shop that will do the vac and recharge for me.
How do I determine if it is the clutch or bearing or the compressor?
How difficult is it to install just those items?

Much appreciation to your responses Koda2000.

 

[koda2000]

Assuming the issue is the compressor and not just the clutch/pulley bearing that's causing your noise...

I am assuming the new compressor will come with clutch and pulley and that at 192k I might as well change the whole unit. How do I tell if it is the clutch orbearing? Because that pertains to whether or not there could be debris in the rest of the system.

I suggest you remove your serpentine belt and spin the A/C pulley by hand to try to determine whether the problem is the pulley bearing. It should spin smoothly and quietly. If it's not the bearing then the compressor is probably at fault. Make sure the replacement compressor you buy comes with the clutch and pulley.

The system should be evacuated before disconnecting the lines.
I understand this and will go to a shop to have it vac'd out

After removing the compressor you need to thoroughly flush the system to remove any debris (which will quickly destroy a new compressor)
How is this done?

If you do not flush the system (and have proof that you purchased flush) you will void your compressor warranty. A/C system flush can be purchased at any auto parts store, or you can have it done by an A/C shop.

plus adding a pre-compressor in-line filter is a really good idea.
Probably not. 192k, I will always use top shelf parts but not my goal right now to keep forever.

Even if you flush the system you may not get all the debris out of the system. It's takes only a little bit of junk to ruin the new compressor very quickly and there are many places for debris to hide. In-line pre-compressor A/C filters are cheap and worth every penny.

It's also a good idea to replace the accumulator/drier and the orifice tube (if so equipped) as debris will clog these.
Where/What are these? Cost?

The accumulator/drier is the big thing (kinda the shape of a large medication capsule) that the A/C line is connected to. It's located on the passenger side of the engine compartment near the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The drier has descant bag inside of it, which removes moister from the refrigerant. Any time the system is opened the drier should be replaced.

The orifice tube is a small filter which is located inside of one of the A/C lines. It has a very fine mesh screen which is easily clogged. Most vehicles have this tube.

Check RockAuto's on-line catalog prices to get an idea on what prices are and whether they list an orifice tube for your vehicle.

Before recharging the system you should draw a vacuum to remove air and moisture from the system and to check for leaks. Installing a new compressor will require adding the correct amount & type of compressor oil to the system before recharging with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Copy that, hence why I will try to find a local shop that will do the vac and recharge for me.

How do I determine if it is the clutch or bearing or the compressor?
How difficult is it to install just those items?

If the problem is the pulley bearing and clutch they can be purchased separate from the compressor. It will also come with a new electromagnet. Installation is not too difficult. It's almost as expensive as buying an entire compressor, but much easier to change. If this turns out to be your problem I can tell you how to replace the clutch, but I don't feel like doing that much typing right now.

 

[66427]

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Many thanks, I will pull the belt after it cools off and try to determine.