A/C Compressor making grinding noise
Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 5:46 pm
I have been searching the forums for the past 2-hours and have not found much info on this new problem of mine, any help would be appreciated.
About 4-days ago, I started my 93' Legacy L and heard a fairly loud grinding noise (similar to the sound you might hear the first time you apply brakes to slightly rusty rotors after a heavy rain storm) that lasted for about 2 minutes. During the two minutes, I popped the hood and found that the noise was coming from the A/C compressor. The noise then got much quieter and I drove home from work.
Over the last few days, every time I start the car the noise comes back and then goes away after a few minutes. There have also been a few instances that after the grinding noise stops a slight whistle can be heard. This whistle noise also goes away after a few minutes.
I found a reference from one post that suggested an A/C compressor can lose its lubrication if it is not kept at full charge as part of routine maintenance. Since this problem started recently, could recharging the unit fix the issue or is it more likely the compressor is shot and needs to be replaced? If replacement is likely, is it a fairly easy job for someone with little auto repair experience?
Thanks,
-Jeremy
About 4-days ago, I started my 93' Legacy L and heard a fairly loud grinding noise (similar to the sound you might hear the first time you apply brakes to slightly rusty rotors after a heavy rain storm) that lasted for about 2 minutes. During the two minutes, I popped the hood and found that the noise was coming from the A/C compressor. The noise then got much quieter and I drove home from work.
Over the last few days, every time I start the car the noise comes back and then goes away after a few minutes. There have also been a few instances that after the grinding noise stops a slight whistle can be heard. This whistle noise also goes away after a few minutes.
I found a reference from one post that suggested an A/C compressor can lose its lubrication if it is not kept at full charge as part of routine maintenance. Since this problem started recently, could recharging the unit fix the issue or is it more likely the compressor is shot and needs to be replaced? If replacement is likely, is it a fairly easy job for someone with little auto repair experience?
Thanks,
-Jeremy