A/C Compressor Rattle

[SnowSurfLax]

Ok, starting here. When I cranked her on this morning, I heard a funny rattle from the driver side. Popped the hood, sounded like the AC compressor. Turned off AC, noise went away, turned on, noise back.

Searched a little for this on here, but all I got mostly was about recharging. I got my AC recharged about 9 months ago. Any chance that it probably didn't get enough oil? Not sure I want to take it back there, starting to feel like all they do is figure out ways to make me spend more money.

Or, is it possible to oil this thing myself? Don't want to open the system at all, but don't want to have to replace the compressor if possible.

[fueler]

mine has always made a faint clicking/rattle noise when engaged. its quiet but noticeable in the cabin at idle.

if your system needed a recharge, that means theres a small leak somewhere! The only way to find it is adding a dye to the system and a UV light to find the leak - or recharge when it gets low

yeah u can add oil yourself pretty easily, but the problem is you dont know how much is already in there (if any) and u dont want to overdo it if your AC is no longer cold, means you have no freon and i wouldnt use the AC or u risk burning up the compressor

i am not an AC tech but ive had enough problems to know a little bit. Ive already replaced condensor and compressor. Both my compressors always made a rattle noise... I got a great mechanic in north park, extremely honest and reasonable pricing, that I can refer u to if u need...
Modified by fueler at 3:24 PM 7/10/2008

[SnowSurfLax]

They supposedly checked it for leaks when they recharged it and told me there weren't any. Have to admit though, it was not noticeably colder after they recharged it. I think it was probably only 1 - 5% better than before I got it recharged.

I'll try to take a look at it and see if it's just the clutch or something. I know you have to flush it and recharge to put proper amount of oil in. Wishful thinking honestly.

Fueler - gimme your Polish mechanic. I need someone to look at it and give me an honest answer.

[fueler]

Snappy Auto Service 4234 Mississippi St(between El Cajon Blvd & Howard Ave)San Diego, CA 92104(619) 491-0283 He is really trustworthy, whenever something on my ride or someone i know needs a mechanic, i'll only go to Les Heres what others think of him http://www.yelp.com/biz/snappy...diego

if u wanna hit me up before you go there, I can meet u there and first compare AC compressors to see if yours is more noisy than mine, or if its normal.. he always cuts great deals to people that I bring in there since we've both done a lot of work for eachother...

[SnowSurfLax]

Sweet, thanks! I might go on Saturday, depends. I'll send you a text for approximate time if I can make it there