1997 Isuzu Trooper 3.2l V6 158000. With some advice, I had my alternator checked out, do to the concerns of a whining noise coming from engine, that has over time gotten louder. Alternator turned out to be ok. Was suggested to me to take off belts one at a time to see if I could isolate the problem that way. Used a 3 foot piece of garden hose as a listening device to try to pinpoint noise. Sounded like it was coming from A/C compressor. took off that belt and noise stopped. Does that mean there is some kind of bearing in the A/C compressor going bad, does the whole thing need to be replaced or is it something the can be easily taken care of. Now I don't plan on fixing the A/C compressor at a garage, for I really don't need A/C. But for someone who doesn't know much about cars, but can follow directions, would it be worth me to try to replace it if needed on my own? I don't mind taking a couple of days to do something it would take you guys 3 hours to do. Does it take any special tools?
thanks for your time.

Well there is a couple of different ways you could go. Sounds like the clutch bearing is going (now I'm assuming you are getting this noise with the a/c off).
You could replace the comp w/clutch (easier, more $$$$$) or change out just the clutch (harder, less $$$$)

Either way I would suggest to R&R the comp. A lot of systems you can get the clutch off without taking off the comp but if you haven't done it before it would be a better idea to do this on a bench.

It's pretty straight forward, evac the system, disconnect the belt, electrical connection, high & low side lines and 4 bolts holding the comp on. Once it's on the bench you can decide if you want to try a clutch. Maybe get a manual to help you out.....

To add some: If you can effectively isolate this the the clutch bearing it probably can be replaced without messing with the refrigerant and probably requires a puller tool that I think you can rent for free from AutoZone and places like that.

Now - if (we don't know yet) just that bearing it may be pressed in, a snap ring or what's called peened in. If too tricky take just the clutch to get help with that. Dealing with ifs still and if a bearing only is to be done get a good US, or Canadian one as the more common Asian ones can have a high failure rate.

A whole new compressor if $$ isn't the issue would be the best way to go as said but costly and would involve dealing with refrigerant.

Find out if clutch bearing or compressor for now. Don't know that exact set up but it compressor is on it's own belt and noise persists I suggest taking that off to prevent a meltdown which makes this a real mess to fix that could be avoided.

Don't wait - get this taken care of now will save!

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

the noise does happen with the a/c off. the belt i took off goes to the a/c compressor only, so with that said, if i don't want or need a/c, could i just leave the belt off and not replace the a/c compressor and just leave as is?....( oh please god say yes!)

Should have been more complete last round - sorry. You need to look at outer plate of compressor to know it's really OFF. When really off it's just a heavy pulley really with a fairly cheap bearing in the clutch. When on/engaged noises will suggest a compressor's bearings/bushings as the clutch bearing is dead weight while engaged.

The trouble is............ a failure and belt breaking off with either condition can render you a pedestrian in a hearbeat! Some layouts of the belt system in assorted vehicles leave you with an unusable car!

The reason I said disable under certain situaltions is the belt if broken can wreck fans, radiator or whatever! Who wants insult to injury if preventable?

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Quote

Yes, no problem as long as the belt isn't required to run anything else.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida