I noticed yesterday when I got out of the car a ticking noise, like lifter tick. I popped the hood and snooped around and noticed it was coming from the passenger side of the engine compartment. The noise fluctuated and got faster as I pulled on the throttle. I went and shut off the AC and the noise disappeared, turned it back on and there it was again. The compressor is making a clicking, ticking noise. It is not every couple of seconds indicating low refrigerant, it is a tick about twice a second. I took it to Jiffy Lube (wish I had my own AC equipment) and they tested it. The system was full to spec. The tech did say it had a small leak because the pressure dropped during one of the tests. I asked him to show me where it was but he said they couldn't detect where it was (before someone else told me they had an electronic r134 detector then the second tech told me they didn't exist. I've had one in the past ....dumb monkeys ) $30 later I am still where I was. It is still ticking when I turn it on. It blows cold but it seems to not cool as well. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Thank you in advance!

 

Alright, first off, if the compressor is making a knocking noise, it is prob going to need a compressor. If it is leaking, a shop that knows what they are doing could help you there. If it really is a "small" leak that cannot be detected using a 134 leak detector, a/c dye would be the best option. Again, though, a system that is low on refrigerant is not going to work at all or cool poorly, not cause the compressor to knock (unless water is in the system). If you end up replacing the compressor, make sure you get a new reciever/drier also. Good luck!

 

Well today the noise is louder and is accompanied by a nice whining noise. My gas mileage has drop considerably too. I'm just going to run it till it gives and replace it, I've done everything from tranny swaps to head work but I've never had to mess with the AC system. Once the system is evacuated, isn't it as easy as an altenator.... unbolt it and the lines and put in the new one?? Also does anyone know anywhere online with a diagram of the AC system or manuals? (Still have no manual for the car ) Please let me know and thanks in advance.

 

I would suggest not using the a/c until you fix it. The compressor is coming apart & prolly sending metal thru the a/c system (metal fragments get stuck in condensor & oriffice tube) Whoever fixes it is gonna have to flush your a/c system (for compressor warranty) & have had some so bad that a condesor was also needed. I dont see the need to add 300-400 to a already high bill? If you go new delco compressor 550, flush 80, oriffice tube 15, accumulator,115 plus labor & recharge fees 150-200 this adds up quick! If you do this your self, it is not good to leave a/c system open to atmoshere, the accumulator has a dessicant filter inside that absorbes moisture once full it's junk .(About 10-15 min.) The oil in a R-134 system is also hydroscopic, it absorbes mosture like brake fluid just much more rapidlly. What does a moisture ladden a/c system do ? Very inconsistant performance & part failures, i.e. compressors.

 

I've been looking for the parts and correct me if I am wrong but is the accumilator and the dryer the same unit in this car? Usually they are two seperate units.

 

I have a A/c compressor, lines, accumilator, and condensor for sale off of my 98z . All parts were taken off at approx 9000 miles on the odometer. Stripped the car down to be strictly drag. LMK if you need any of this stuff.

Thanks
Joe

 

What you describe has happened to me twice. My car has 85k miles on it. The problem is the ac clutch on the compressor, which means you have to replace the entire compressor. First time mine was under warrenty. Second time I bought one from a junk yard. Good luck and sorry to hear about that.

 

Mine went at about 58k at about 64k now still haven't replaced it. Nasty sound isn't it?

 

DUDE, I had that happen to me when i was driving through Arizona, I left Chicago with it making a small noise, I was like, eh nothing, but then I got to LA and it got a little louder. Driving around LA put another 400 miles on the car, then oin the drive home on the 17 and the 10 in pheonix I see the serpentine belt that runs the AC compressor fall off behind the car on the highway. That bastard seized and took the belt with it. It cost like $1300 bucks to fix.....that's what I would have paid if the sales guy hadn't talked me into the extended warranty.....whew...but yeah, take to the dealer or get it fixed fast because it was the AC compressor and it just made a nasty sound whenever the AC was on, and when it was off it made a ticking clicking sound and it was still engaged even though the AC was off....the little clutch thingy that runs it was still connected...then just stopped working......mine went out at like oh....47K 2 months ago....now at 55k and the car runs fine.....

 

They are the same just refer to it as the filter/drier , the part's place will know what ya want.