When i turn on the AC, i can hear the AC compressor squealing like a pig. Could it be going out?

 

ac compressor clutches are shot

 

Are these repairable or does the whole compressor need to be replaced?

 

ur gona have to replace the hole compressor

 

You may be able to buy just the clutch but it would be easier just replacing the whole compressor. Don't leave the compressor off for a long time or the accumulator will need to be replaced due to absorbing all the moisture in the air.

 

Be sure to cover the open lines if you can to help prevent dirt and debris into the system as well. Also, dont forget to put oil back into the compressor if indeed you do replace it yourself.

 

Just had this happen to me 3 weeks ago.

Its best to replace the whole thing IMHO. Mine was still cooling and I almost went with the just replace the clutch deal, BUT I went ahead with the new compressor route. AND, boy am I glad I did, because, the orifice filter had metal shavings in it.

SO, I highly recommend replacing the whole thing, not just the clutch. I got a reman'd from the local parts store for 250 (plus 100 for the new accumulator). I replaced it myself and then had a shop mechanic vac and recharge the system. The whole ordeal cost me about 500 (if this is done at the dealer or a garage, prepare to spend upwards of 1200 dollars (depeneding on labor rates of where you live))

 

Cool beans. Can this be done with basic hand tools or was there special tools needed?

 

It could be something as simple as a bad belt, not sure about a 94Z but the AC uses it's own belt plus there's a tension pulley there also on LS1's.

 

Basic hand tools was all I used. You have to release all of the refrigerant first. Then, after that, its just unbolt all of the connectors, replace hardware, and re-bolt them. I found a Chiltons guide of how to replace it from my local library online (not that I go there alot...h ahaah)

The only thing that I could not do was vac and recharge the system. I had a local shop do that for 100 dollars. They vaccuumed my system, put dye in it(to show if any leaks exist or show up), and recharged it with 1 1/2 pounds of refrigerant

Hope this helps.

 

It wont be a bad belt if the noise any happens when you turn the A/C on. Since the belt turns over the pulley even when the A/C is off, if it were a belt, it would squeal all of the time.

 

I think I would check the belt before changing the compressor ( $$ ) anyways, it could be when the belt has a load ( AC turned on ) on it that's when it makes the noise. Spray some belt dressing on the belt or even soapy water to see if the noise goes away.

 

I have never ever seen a belt that didnt squeal with the A/C compressor off then squeal with the A/C comressor on.

Also, belt dressing doesnt work at all (at least on my SS). All it does is gunk up the grooves in the pulleys.

 

I've had this problem for the last year. Take heed, it was NOT the a/c compressor.

A couple of days ago, I bought a stethoscope and fished around. After changing the belt, I found that it was the a/c belt tensioner. $74 fix, no sounds at all.

 

Did it make noise all the time, or just when the AC was on?