Rattler in the AC compressor ? ? ? 2000 Q

[RAP]

How do I know it's the AC compressor? AC on, rattles. AC off, no rattle. That's about the extent of my analysis to date. The rattle noise is rather slight. Question is of course, has anyone experienced AC compressor failure after a rattle or even ever heard a rattle? Is AC compressor failure imminent? I am inclined to operate the car till the end of the compressor's life if there is no real and ready fix. It's no big deal if the compressor fails (I'm not driving the car much right now and the money I am saving on gas will be used to pay for a new compressor) Welllll I really have plenty of money so the aforementioned is a bit tongue in cheek but still... I suppose if you have to worry about replacing the AC compressor on this car you shouldn't own the car. I agree there MoxNix.Any thoughts anyone? Thanks.

Jack

[Q45tech]

Failure to do preventative mainteanance on AC system [HVAC] shortens the system life and progressively [annually] degrades the time to cool and low temperature.

Engineers demand as new performance, non engineers put up with crap.

Don't think that just replacing a failed compressor will return the entire system to brand new...................it usually take 100% replacement of evaporator, condenser, dryer, hoses..................even fans [as they slow down with age and use].

[qship96]

Isolate the source of noise by putting car on lift at service station, using a stethescope while car is running...if it is indeed the compressor I would replace immediatly or not use it til replaced as when it blows it tends to puke its guts through the entire system{lines,condenser,evap,etc} adding to the complexity of proper long lasting repair.

Forget rebuilding existing compressor or purchasing a reman.- Joe has best price on NEW factory part{dont ask me how I know!}

[DrewQ45]

How do I know it's the AC compressor? AC on, rattles. AC off, no rattle. That's about the extent of my analysis to date. The rattle noise is rather slight. Question is of course, has anyone experienced AC compressor failure after a rattle or even ever heard a rattle? Is AC compressor failure imminent? I am inclined to operate the car till the end of the compressor's life if there is no real and ready fix. It's no big deal if the compressor fails (I'm not driving the car much right now and the money I am saving on gas will be used to pay for a new compressor) Welllll I really have plenty of money so the aforementioned is a bit tongue in cheek but still... I suppose if you have to worry about replacing the AC compressor on this car you shouldn't own the car. I agree there MoxNix.Any thoughts anyone? Thanks.

Jack

May need a shot of oil.

[Q45tech]

Just like an engine running low of compressor oil does severe and unrepairable damage to bearings, rings, and seals.

4-8 ounces of compressor oil smeared on things should be visible.

[bullittandy]

My compressor on my 97 has been "throbbing" for 25K and I'm still waiting for failure.

[RAP]

Just like an engine running low of compressor oil does severe and unrepairable damage to bearings, rings, and seals.

4-8 ounces of compressor oil smeared on things should be visible.

Visible??? As far as I know when oil is visible anywhere on any component of the AC system, there is a leak? That would include the 134? Or is it the other way around? The 134 leaks out and takes the oil with it? I don't see any visible leaks around the AC components?Don't know if the compressor oil is low and really don't know how to find out. I don't have much experience working on auto AC units, so how would one know if in fact the AC oil is low? There is not a huge amount of oil in those car AC systems, just a few ounces?Last time I worked on a car AC unit I replaced the compressor, vaccumed the system (I own a vac. unit & gauges) poured oil (small amount) into the system as per instructions from a general AC repair manual and that was that. I also neglected to state that the car has 98000 miles. Shouldn't be having AC problems at this point on this $60,000.00 car or maybe I'm wishful?As far as being an engineer and anal about things mechanical, well to each his own. I will do as needed to maintain my autos but considering that they are just autos and there are plenty around I don't get uptight about these things? And they be gettin' cheep cheep mo an mo even for engineers? Da GAZ man, Da GAZ ! ! ! In fact they be gettin' to da pernt of "it's cheaper to just buy another car than to fix major problems" Well I enjoyed the chit chat and ya'll have a nice day, cher.Jack

[maxnix]

I would establish it is not the clutch failing first.

A failed AC system this time of year in Texas would render the vehicle virtually unsuable, so for me it is critical.

[Haitian_King]

Is that what that noise is? I guess that was my compressor's death-rattle. I would hear it when the fan was one, but off, it was silent. The other day I turned on the A/C and the rattle was gone, but so was the cold air.

I add it to the list of repairs to be done this summer.