ok..well got a 2000 2.2 2200 I4 motor. when i start it up there is a grinding sound that comes from the right side of the engine, it sounds like its coming from the A/C Compressor, whats weird is that when i turn my A/C on the sound is gone It shuts up... anyone else run into this? If it is the A/C Compressor could it be the clutch that kicks the a/c on, maybe it lose or the ball bearings in the pully are shot.....Idk? hit me up guys....


<img src="http://myspace-218.vo.llnwd.net/00395/81/24/395924218_l.jpg" height="114px" width="443px">

So when the A/C clutch engages, rotates with the compressor pulley, the sound is gone, when disengaged, the sound is there. Sounds like the compressor bearing, or pulley is shot




- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

I think that the compressor clutch needs adjusting.

Yep it's the A/C clutch that's needs to be replaced. Basically when the A/C is off the clutch doesn’t fully disengaging from the pulley (about 0.4 mm clearance) so it grinds against the side of it. And when the A/C is on the clutch engages again and you don’t hear any grinding.

My car was doing that unless the A/C or defrost was on. I replaced the A/C compressor. I've heard you can get the a/c compressor clutch tool and pull the clutch out a hair with it and get clearance. I don't know if it works or not.

My brother in-law's 3.1L Cutlass Supreme has now started grinding but he leaves it on defrost now to keep it quiet but it wastes more gas constantly turning the compressor. We are going to replace his compressor and recharge his a/c soon.


Scott
2002 Audi S4, black
1996 Z24 auto, red

You can get a universal A/C clutch puller/installer, you need it because of the clearance you are working with. So you should be able to loan one for free from a parts store and buy the A/C clutch from GM for like $70 CAD. Takes about 2-3 hours to replace if you handy on working on cars. . It would definitely be cheaper then replacing the entire A/C compressor.