A/C Compressor Clutch noise

SP-X · #1 06-29-2010, 04:18 PM

Hi everyone, now that its "summer" in Canada (July-August)

, I've got my 97 LSi (165kms) back on the street, and have missed it alot during the off season.

One issue has come up while driving over the last few weeks, when hot outside, 22-30 C, I start the car, Auto Air control on, everything seems normal, but after about 20 seconds, I get this high pitch squeal once the a.c compressor clutch engages.

Turn the air off, noise goes away once the clutch disengages.

Has anyone ever had an issues with a slipping compressor clutch assy? Everything worked fine last season, and I'm now wondering if you can even purchase a new clutch/pulley assembly, couldn't find one on Subaruparts.com.

Thoughts??

ZMan · #2 06-29-2010, 04:29 PM

A loose belt can have the same symptom.
Make sure it's tight enough, and if your not sure, tighten it some and try it.

dcarrb · #3 06-30-2010, 05:21 AM

Could be the belt's badly worn or loose; could be the compressor's trying to bind-up.

I don't believe the clutch assembly is sold separately. You can find a reman compressor online for around $250 U.S.

dcb

SoCal LS-L · #4 06-30-2010, 12:30 PM

Tighten the belt first, then get some belt conditioner to spray on there, you wont hear another sound from it again.

SP-X · #5 06-30-2010, 04:25 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. I put a new belt on last summer, and I'll bet that it has now stetched a little as it wore in, and gets even looser when it's hot outside.

I'll tighten it up and see what happens. I've had this problem before on other cars, but only in the winter. It does make sense that the same thing could happen when hot.

SP-X · #6 07-03-2010, 10:17 AM

Belt tightened (was only slightly loose), noise gone, a/c performance is excellent.

Super easy fix, thanks for the input all. I was overthinking this one, but it's all good now.