Lately I have been hearing a grinding around my compressor and some squeeling. I thought it was just a bad belt so I've been spraying the belt with wd-40 to quite it down. well I guess it was the bearings going bad because today my car wouldn't turn over. I looked under the hood while someone was starting it and the aternator is being bent downward from the torque of the belt. My compressor is completely locked up. The front part of it moves freely, but the pulley behind that wont budge. I beat on it a lil bit and it wont turn. I sprayed it with some wd-40 to loosen it up but that just made the belt slip around it when I tried to start it. That caused to belt to nearly burn up.

um.. help please. what should I do to break it loose?

 

It sounds like its in need of repair or replacement. If you have the skills go ahead but it might be something to have a professional handle if you aren't real mechanical.

 

well I think I can get a rebuilt compressor from advanced for pretty cheap because I dont have the money to shell out for a new one. I am sure I could put one in, im just worried about the ac lines running to the back of it.

I didn't mention, about a week ago there was some smoke coming from the compressor and shortly after, my AC wouldn't blow cold air.

 

Uhg. I feel for you. My compressor has been getting increasingly louder. Fortunately it still works, but I will have to replace it really soon.

Anyone know the best source for a new Delco compressor?

As far as breaking it loose, I don't think that's going to happen. Probably have to either tow to a shop for replacement, or replace it where it sits. I would guess trying to run it that bad is just going to hurt other things and maybe give you an even nastier repair cost.

 

could I get away with replacing just the bearings for now until I can afford a new compressor?

 

It could that the bearings are all that is bad. IMHO just buy a new one. Your going to have to pay a shop to press the bearings, and then it still might not work after investing $$$.

 

You will need to replace the a/c compressor. My 94' camaro had this same problem. I could hear a grinding noise under the hood..I thought that it might have been the belt tensioner. I changed that and it did not cure the problem. I noticed that when I turned on my AC that the compressor didn't have to engage. It was, by this time, siezed in the "on" position. I replaced the part with a used one and never had a problem. Also, I got the used compressor re-charged...cold COLD AC never hurt anyone...

**It's not worth it to replace the bearings. It is cheaper in the long run to just replace the whole compressor...

 

im going to put an ac delete pulley in there for now. What is the best way to block off the lines to the compressor to keep them clean. this is just temporary.

 

Ask any part store if they carry Delphi compressors, I know Carquest does.. Delphi makes Delco.......

As for the lines, electrical tape.... But remember the system will have to be flushed.... If you replace the compressor, make sure to change the dryer and expansion valve...

 

how much do you think it would cost me to get that stuff done including the price of the compressor?

 

Compressor 350~500 dollars
Dryer 60~80 dollars
Expansion Valve 50~60 dollars

Cost varies depending on what parts store you go to... I would suggest a Dephi (Delco maker) compressor ...

 

thanks for the info. the delete pulley is working well so far. no noises or anything. so basically it comes down to what I want to spend money on right now.

longtubes > compressor

I'll wait till next summer on the AC parts since I wont need the AC till it gets warmer.