Possible AC compressor problem

I was hearing a noise that sounded like the serpentine belt was going bad. I also heard a little grinding. I think it is the AC compressor. When I took the belt off and turned the wheel on the AC compressor, it made a little noise. I replaced the belt with a new one, and the noises diminished. I ran it a while, and it seemed fine. But the belt broke. I need the car to run without the AC for now.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. The pulley on the air conditioning compressor or another pulley could be the cause for the belt failing. Some vehicles have the accessories in locations where a shorter belt can be applied and the air conditioning compressor can be bypassed. Your vehicle does have a model that came without air conditioning and an experienced technician can install the shorter belt recommended for your vehicle. The air conditioning compressor will simply be bypassed and out of operation until the compressor is fixed properly and the correct belt is installed. Have an experienced technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the AC system for faults and recommend the appropriate repairs for your specific situation.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

If, on inspection, you hear chattering, whining, squealing, chirping, or rattling sounds coming from the AC compressor, it is time for AC service.
In compressors, the grinding noise is caused by the pistons that compress the refrigerant gas. They make this noise when the compressor is worn out, which means that you may need the compressor replaced entirely, and sometimes it means that it`s time to replace your entire air conditioning unit.
The compressor clutch pressurizes your AC and pumps refrigerant through the system. A rattling could indicate it`s time to replace your worn out compressor clutch (and maybe even the entire AC compressor). Idler pulley. An air conditioner pulley making noise can also come from failing bearings.
To fix a banging noise from your A/C compressor, you may need to call an HVAC professional to fasten or replace your system`s loose or broken parts. If that doesn`t solve the issue, a full compressor replacement may be required.
A low, steady blowing noise is normal for an air conditioner, as it continually blows cool air through the ducts and vents of your home. This noise should be quiet enough to disappear into the background.
Compressors generally last the lifetime of a car, or approximately 12 to 15+ years depending on how well the car is looked after. In saying that, it`s important that you regularly check up on and service your car to prevent premature failure. Some ways you can tell if something is failing can include: Leaks.
If your air conditioning unit emits warm air or air that can`t be classified as “cool”, there might be an issue with the AC compressor. A faulty AC compressor will simply blow around air that is the current temperature, regardless of how low you have the air conditioner set.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

What would cause the clutch on an ac compressor to continue to go bad after being replaced three times?
ANSWER : The compressor clutch relay on these vehicles are a known cause of sticking on the compressor clutch and overheating the A/C compressor clutch coil. Replace the A/C relay to see if it cures the clutch going bad the next time you do a compressor clutch replacement, or replace it now if you have just replaced the clutch.

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when I turn my ac on my cars idle drop and stalls out and the ac is hot
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Although the pulley is still spinning, the compressor has likely failed. If it is not properly regulating pressure in the system, one of the first signs is a warm air conditioner. Considering yours is not cooling off, the pressures are not correct. If you believe the compressor is working correctly, you may want to check for a clogged line before replacing it. Keep in mind, a blocked line has likely put extra strain on the compressor, and may cause premature failure. For more help with testing or replacing the compressor, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

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Seems to be an occasional misfire that is somehow related to the AC compressor
ANSWER : This is normal when the AC is on. The air conditioning compressor requires torque from the belt system on the engine to power it. When the AC is off, the compressor clutch does not activate, meaning the AC is not straining the engine. When the AC is on, the compressor clutch activates, causing the drive belt on the engine to turn the compressor. The Idle Control Actuator is what controls the engine idle. When the AC kicks in, the engine will drop some RPM, and the actuator opens to allow more air into the engine. When you are at speed, the throttle is open from the accelerator pedal under your foot. the Idle control actuator is not active at this time.
What you describe is normal.

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Possible AC compressor problem
ANSWER : Hi there. The pulley on the air conditioning compressor or another pulley could be the cause for the belt failing. Some vehicles have the accessories in locations where a shorter belt can be applied and the air conditioning compressor can be bypassed. Your vehicle does have a model that came without air conditioning and an experienced technician can install the shorter belt recommended for your vehicle. The air conditioning compressor will simply be bypassed and out of operation until the compressor is fixed properly and the correct belt is installed. Have an experienced technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the AC system for faults and recommend the appropriate repairs for your specific situation.

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2008 VW Jetta AC not cold
ANSWER : Hi Allen. By far the best way to have your AC system correctly diagnosed is by having an AC inspection completed first. By having one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location to diagnose the issue correctly, it significantly minimizes the mistakes in completing the wrong service. In your case, the issue could be as simple as needing to have the AC system recharged, or there is an existing leak that needs to be repaired before refilling the refrigerant. Best economic bet is to have the AC inspection completed first.

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AC noisy, intermittent blows hot, not cold. If needed, what is parts and labor cost range to replace compressor?
ANSWER : It sounds like you may have a damaged AC compressor clutch. As you may know the AC Clutch is the pulley that spins with the Belt. There are two ports on the rear of the Compressor. One is a Suction Port and the other is the Discharge Port. The Suction port is going to be your larger port and the Discharge port is going to be the smaller port. Refrigerant is sucked into the Suction port, compressed and then it exits out the Discharge Port, then entering the A/C Condenser. Your vehicle’s AC Clutch consists of the Hub, the Pulley, and the coil. The front part of the A/C Clutch is the Hub. Next is the pulley, which is where the belt rides. Finally, under the pulley is the coil, also called a field coil. The Coil is a copper would wire, that functions like a magnetic coil. If the AC Compressor is powered up, electricity engages the coil, and when this happens, it also engages the pulley. The large magnet forces the hub to pull against the pulley. Since the Shaft of the AC Compressor is mated with the A/C Hub, once engaged, it begins to pump refrigerant in the system. Turning whenever the engine is cranked, the A/C Compressor Clutch Pulley will spin even if the AC Compressor is off. If the A/C System is turned on, power is sent to your A/C Compressor Clutch and it will then engage. However, if the pressure in the system (or the refrigerant level) is either too low or high, switches will kill power to the Compressor to keep from damaging it. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.

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Hello, my car’s temperature isn’t rising, so the ac isn’t working, what do you think is the problem? Compressor, or Radiator?
ANSWER : The radiator is part of the engine cooling system and would not typically be inspected or serviced if the passenger compartment air conditioning system is not working. If the car engine is overheating you might inspect the radiator though. If the air conditioning system is not functioning, the refrigerant charge could be low, the compressor or compressor clutch might be defective, or there could be a problem with the controls (mostly electrical). There are other causes as well. If you have a malfunctioning A/C system, please request an A/C system diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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2005 Toyota Corolla AC Compressor Not Cycling On & Off
ANSWER : Hi there. If the AC compressor is not cycling on and off as usual, it’s due to an internal component failure in most cases and would need to be replaced. If the compressor fails, it typically does not cause damage to other AC system components. It is possible that there is excessive debris inside the compressor or the bearings internal are worn out. The best thing for you to do is either have the AC compressor replaced, or make sure that the compressor is not blocked by any debris and is getting air from the outside of the vehicle.

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