1996 Buick Regal 3.8L AC bearing noise?

Question

My sis-in-law was driving behind me today and suddenly fell behind.  Turns out a loud screeching noise was coming from the engine.  We popped the hood and it was coming from the AC. The AC doesn't have to work (car's old and she is on a Ramen Noodle budget).  But if the thing freezes up the Serpentine Belt will break and she'll be stranded.  I have never worked on an AC before, and I'll probably snag a Haynes manual before I start work, but what I want to know is, is there just a bearing I can replace?  I see a clutch bearing at Autozone for $17.00.  I am pretty comfortable working on cars, but any info, advice, warnings, corrections slaps-upside-the-head are appreciated.

Stpaulguy · Accepted Answer

If the A/C wasn't on at the time, then the pulley bearing is shot. To replace it you have to remove the clutch (special tool) and the pulley (you'll need a snap ring pliers). Then the bearing comes out and you can replace it. They're not expensive (less than $35). 

OR, if there's no refrigerant in the system and you don't care about A/C in the future, you can just remove the entire A/C compressor and install a bypass pulley (www.dormanproducts.com). Find the one for the vehicle and it just bolts in place of the compressor. Uses the same belt. Then just cut the A/C lines and be done with it. Lots easier than replacing the pulley bearing but only if you never want A/C again.

If the A/C was running and the pulley seized, then you have a seized compressor. Just remove the clutch electrical connector and the clutch will never engage again.

Goody · Answer

We once owned a 1994 Chevy Lumina and had to replace the AC compressor clutch and bearing because the bearing went out on it.  This car had the 3.1L motor, but the compressors are identical.  Before it finally went, it made a noise that sounded like the power steering pump was low on fluid for about six months.  The day it failed, it made a screeching sound, and when I opened the hood, the pulley was wobbling and sparks were flying.  Even then, the air conditioning was still working.  You'll need a AC clutch puller tool set, which can be rented from most auto parts stores.  One thing to note - in theory, the pulley should freewheel even if the compressor is seized, unless the bearing is also bad (as you suspect).

Pete M · Answer

Sounds like the A/C compressor may have seized up.

You can try releasing the A/C clutch so it allows the pulley to free wheel and drive it that way, or you can remove the compressor and use a smaller drive belt.

A Ramen budget won't allow for repairing the compressor.

accomacgeo · Answer

since you are not going to use the ac here is a simple fix order a slave pulley this means removing the ac unit and replace it with a pulley save a lot money replacing ac components and still use the same belt or get a smaller belt

Trending News

1996 Buick Regal 3.8L AC bearing noise?

4 Answers