PDA

View Full Version : VERY strange engine noise AC Unit maybe?!?

fdsa487
October 5th, 2006, 12:43
Okay well on my lunch break I went to get some food and started up the Jeep. I hear this horrible noise coming from the engine. I pop the hood and it looks as if its coming from the AC condenser. It that what it is? A condenser? Its right next to the battery on my 2000 Sport XJ on the top of the engine and the belt goes around it.

The noise is like a horrible rolling/ball barings with no grease kind of sound. Its really loud too. When I rev the engine it seems to stay at the same speed. Anyone have experience with this noise? It the AC condenser going out?
SuperRA
October 5th, 2006, 12:54
That part is call the AC Compressor. The condenser is the radiator like unit sitting in front of the radiator.

Its possible that the noise could be coming from that part, but I'd think it would speed up as you rev the engine.
fdsa487
October 5th, 2006, 12:58
but I'd think it would speed up as you rev the engine.

Maybe it does speed up, but it does not sound like it. The engine gets pretty loud and I cant hear it then.
91xjrunner
October 5th, 2006, 12:58
might be the alternator since it is just below the compressor, you could have dirt in the compressor clutch or the compressor its self.
AlohaBra
October 5th, 2006, 14:59
The bearings for the AC clutch could be shot. Does it go away when you turn AC off?
fdsa487
October 5th, 2006, 15:00
The bearings for the AC clutch could be shot. Does it go away when you turn AC off?

The AC WAS off the whole entire time I was doing it. I turne ON the AC and it still does the same noise.
SuperRA
October 5th, 2006, 15:23
The bearings for the AC clutch could be shot. Does it go away when you turn AC off?

The AC clutch pulley is riding on bearings whether or not the AC is turned on so I don't think that would affect the noise much.
fdsa487
October 5th, 2006, 15:46
Dang this problem now after I just (meaning yesterday) got front end problems worked out:exclamati
fdsa487
October 6th, 2006, 07:07
So I was looking on Advanced Auto Parts web site.
I see that I can purchase Ready-Aire 1963/25211 A/C Clutch Bearings. It is $32.99 for them.
How hard are they to replace? Does the entire fan have to come off? This is what I really think the noise is. Its coming from the very front of the ac compresser. Anyone ever replaced their bearings? Does this sound right?


http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductList.aspx?PartType=450&PTSet=A&SearchFor=A%2FC%20Compressor%20Clutch%20Bearings
fdsa487
October 6th, 2006, 08:55
What if I was to spray WD-40 into the front of the compreser? Would that cure all?
AlohaBra
October 6th, 2006, 09:12
What if I was to spray WD-40 into the front of the compreser? Would that cure all?

*You can do this to see it changes the noise. Just remember the clutch unit is a friction thing.

*On your previous post...to change the bearing only...it requires special tools:
1. snap ring pliers
2. puller for the clutch plate
3. puller for the pulley
4. Tool to remove and retension serpentine belt
fdsa487
October 6th, 2006, 09:14
*You can do this to see it changes the noise. Just remember the clutch unit is a friction thing.

*On your previous post...to change the bearing only...it requires special tools:
1. snap ring pliers
2. puller for the clutch plate
3. puller for the pulley
4. Tool to remove and retension serpentine belt

Well it looks like im going to have to take it to a shop then.
This sucks.
AlohaBra
October 6th, 2006, 09:14
Dang this problem now after I just (meaning yesterday) got front end problems worked out:exclamati

Welcome to the XJ world. My XJ is a hobby and I used to a dealership tecnician.
fdsa487
October 6th, 2006, 09:21
Welcome to the XJ world. My XJ is a hobby and I used to a dealership tecnician.

Its all good. This device should be covered under warranty =)
I just remembered that! WOOWO!~
mrtosh
January 16th, 2007, 22:09
i have the same noise on my '94 sport. I think it's coming from the water pump though.
Spudboy
January 17th, 2007, 08:10
Be aware that the AC compressor will cycle on and off when the the defroster is selected so that may be why you heard it even though the AC wasn't turned on. The bearings aren't that hard to change, and you could probably rent the tools at Autozone or Checker. You should learn how to do it anyway, especially the serpentine belt.
ParadiseXJ
January 17th, 2007, 09:24
I had the noise too. turns out it was the alternator bearing.
replaced alternator, no more sound. If it's making the noise it when your A/C is off it's probably the alternator.