AC Compressor ..Clutch or Pulley Bearing Failure?
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CF Beginner
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 11
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AC Compressor ..Clutch or Pulley Bearing Failure?
I have a 2008 Suburban and it's still running great. After no use due to winter, turned AC on a few days ago and it ran fine. Turned on again yesterday and she squealed (see video...keep volume down 
)
Not sure what part(s) is bad. Any thoughts appreciated.
Also, what's a fair price for the repair or replacement?
Thanks in advance.
)Not sure what part(s) is bad. Any thoughts appreciated.
Also, what's a fair price for the repair or replacement?
Thanks in advance.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 192
Engine off; take off the AC belt and spin the AC clutch pulley by hand and the tensioner by hand; feel and listen for issues.
Engine off; take off the AC belt and put socket on AC drive plate nut/bolt, turn clockwise; feel and listen for issues.
In your video, the AC compressor drive plate is not turning as fast as the belt once the AC is switched on. Would not be a dumb idea to get a brand-new AC belt as you'd never use the old belt IF you end up doing a new compressor.
I did the compressor myself on our 2005 Yukon with dual air, which kept breaking belts due to "compressor slugging". Since the AC still worked fine until the belts broke, I gambled and "assumed" that the orifice tube was not clogged and that the accumulator was OK, and won that gamble. New compressor and supplies cost me about $350-$400.
I wouldn't go to a dealer for this though - I'd use my trusted neighborhood independent ASE mechanic.
Engine off; take off the AC belt and put socket on AC drive plate nut/bolt, turn clockwise; feel and listen for issues.
In your video, the AC compressor drive plate is not turning as fast as the belt once the AC is switched on. Would not be a dumb idea to get a brand-new AC belt as you'd never use the old belt IF you end up doing a new compressor.
I did the compressor myself on our 2005 Yukon with dual air, which kept breaking belts due to "compressor slugging". Since the AC still worked fine until the belts broke, I gambled and "assumed" that the orifice tube was not clogged and that the accumulator was OK, and won that gamble. New compressor and supplies cost me about $350-$400.
I wouldn't go to a dealer for this though - I'd use my trusted neighborhood independent ASE mechanic.
CF Monarch
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,605
Likes: 269
From: USA
Rock Auto has an A/C Compressor; with new magnetic clutch,accumulator, orifice valve, seals and PAG oil for $182 bucks. Belt is $18 bucks.You will need R-134A which Harbor Freight is the cheapest, made in USA, not China too. Should be able to rent the O2 pump and set of gauges. There are some discount codes online for Rock Auto, and will save you on the freight. Any questions, just ask me as I am an expert on repairing auto A/C systems. Been doing it a very long time now.
Last edited by oilcanhenry; Apr 24, 2023 at 4:14 AM.
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