Hey guys,

So after spending a grand this last week to fix my harmonic balancer + clutch pulley...

I have bad news.

My squealing has gone away...(it squealed if it was warm or cold). But...this morning, I went outside (parked for 6 hours in below zero temperatures celsius), I popped open the hood and started my car.

I heard this coarse grinding sound...would come and go away...and finally went away in 15 seconds....

Any idea what this is? Pls HELP!! =(

just it being cold. probably the AC compressor frozen up for a little bit.

Hello,

Following your great advice, I went out and started my car. I identified it to be...the AC compressor pulley.

The sound goes away now after 3 seconds, with each sound lasting no more than 1 second.

Your best guess is that this is normal right? Would it be a sign of a failing pulley?

eh i wouldnt think the pulley is failing, it could be the clutch, or it could just use some lubercation. because its just so cold outside.

How would I identify? You mention the clutch?...so i assume it's a separate unit?

Thanks! You're awesome!

Btw, would WD40 work?

the clutch is part of the pulley, you'll notice when you turn on the hvac and hit the AC button, that you hear a little click or a tick, thats your clutch engaging the compressor. i would just go in with some wd40 and spray the pulley face and the little hole, not the belt area.

I've narrowed it down even further...

1) It's not the clutch....I can start my car with AC off, or even econ mode, still makes the sound.

2) Dealer says they can only buy the compressor or clutch, since it's not the cluth, it has to be the compressor, which is 900$ before installation...=|

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

dang dude, i have a compressor off my new engine if your interested.. ill let to go for way cheaper then that. its off an 01. and it comes with the clutch and pulley and all that.

thats if your qx4 has the 3.3 liter. but shoot me an e-mail.

Wow cool. How much you interested for it? =) Keep in mind i'm in Canada so shipping is prolly going to be a #*($#

i shot ya an email.

hmm, didn't get it....should be my username on nico @thinkpost.net

Thanks!

ya i just barely sent it lol. should be there now.

lol. Got it. Thanks. Will reply via email =)

My AC compressor is slightly noisy upon activation as well, I think it takes time for the compressor oil inside it to start circluating.

Hey man,

Ur my new hero. Grinding sound? =) =) =)

I just WD-40 my compressor. It was soo cold outside...-20 with windchill. I'll let it cool off again and see what happens. Thanks guys!

Does your compressor grind as well?

Mine makes a loud noise like metal cereal being spun around, like a metal clicking and grinding for the first 5-10 seconds of A/C use. It quiets down after that, but the noise is still noticeable by me. WD40 will not help, the oil is in a sealed system on the inside. When I had mine drained and recharged (rock hit my condensor at 100 mph) my mechanic first put refrigerant in, then three days later he wanted me to come back and he put some compressor oil in the same line that takes refrigerant. As long as your A/C is still cooling, I would not worry about the noise. If you have $$, try a full vacuum and recharge, with fresh compressor oil and tell me if your noise goes away

EDIT: yours is making noise even with the AC off?? (econ mode) Mine only makes noise when I engage the A/C compressor by pressing AUTO. I did not think of the AC for the clutch on the compressor, that might work for you. I was thinking of the sealed system.

Nah, helped a bit, but I think it was luck...guess i'll just have to let it go for a while...

HOWEVER, I noticed this weird clicking sound.... When I rev the engine, the clicking goes faster. Any idea what this is?

Ah, found a good video!

My ticking sounds like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbNICZHNo9k

I brought it into the dealer...not looking forward to the bill....