I have a 93 Z28 with a/c, when i turn the a/c on there is a chatter/buzzing noise under the hood...sounds like it comes from the a/c pump...but it blows cold air very well, and its not the heater motor...could this be one of the e-fans or the clutch on the pump...i'll look into it more tomorrow, but some tips would be nice...thanks in advance!

 

Sounds like the same thing that happened on mine, the compressor bearings were going out on mine when it started making that noise

 

that really looks like a pain in the butt to change!!!

 

Mine makes the same noise, sounds like a yeti. I just pull the AC fuse during the winter, I guess I'll look into getting it fixed when I have some extra money around, till then I'll put up with a little noise as long as it still blows cold air.

Is there a way to fix this at home w/o special tools? Or do I need to take it on an AC place?

 

to change the compressor, the refrigerant(R-134A) needs to be evacuated, the compressor it self comes out ok from the bottom, a little tight, but it isn't to bad

 

Shut the car down and pull the belt. Turn the compressor pulley by hand and listen for noise and try to feel if there is any roughness.

If you feel any the A/C pulley bearing is shot. It can be replaced without messing with the compressor. You just need a A/C clutch plate tool.

Also spin the tensioner and check for noise. Finally spin the alternator and check for noise.

IF it is none of the above the P/S pump and the A/C compressor are all that is left.

Z28

 

The reason I think it's the compressor and not the pulley is because if I pull the fuse for the AC, the noise goes away. So the pulley is still being turned, and no noise, only when the compressor has power to it

 

Mine only makes the noise when I turn on the A/C from inside the car...That is a good idea about turning it by hand though..I'll try that before I do anything else..I also need to track down a short, The fuse for the horn/whatever keeps poppin...Thanks for you info.

 

this may help...search "clutch plate tool" there is one other thread about this subject..(i tried a hyperlink but it didnt work)

 

Mine was doing that, then on the same day I was going to my fatherinlaws shop to do a clutch job I had to stop for gas. Upon trying to start the car back up, well it would not start, engine locked up. MY compressor had been making more and more noise so I assumed what the problme was. Thank god for gear driven water pumps. I pulled the belt at the gas station and drove about 30 miles home. Changing the compressor really was not as bad as I expected.