mesrop1991

Friends and Neighbors,

{1998 Honda Civic LX 1.6 SOHC 230,000 miles}

Over the past year or so, my A/C compressor has been making noise ONLY when disengaged. It sounds like a slight rubbing noise. When I turn the air conditioning on, the noise goes away.

The A/C system is at the correct pressure, although about two summers ago I over charged it and maybe damage was done to it at that time. It is now at the correct pressure and in the summer it blows cold air no problem.

I'm wondering if the ac compressor clutch is going bad. I do a lot of highway miles on my car (3,000mi/mo), so whatever is wearing out, I'm wearing it out more.

What could the problem be? Should I deal with it if it "aint broke?" And finally...Should i disconnect the belt to the a/c compressor while I'm not using it in the winter to preserve its life?

Former User

Can you post a video of the noise?

Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance between the armature plate and pulley. Is gap even all around?

Jimi Hondrix

Possibly the compressor bearing. A bad compressor bearing would usually increase in noise when compressor is engaged. However, I replaced my car's a/c compressor bearing a few months ago and noise was present while compressor was disengaged and made less noise when engaged. I pulled the bearing/clutch assembly from a junkyard..pretty simple replacement. Need to lower engine though to gain full access to a/c compressor.

mesrop1991

Haven't been able to physically check it out. But the noise goes away when the ac clutch is engaged. In fact the noise is gotten significantly worse today whereas it was consitanly the same for the past year.

Here's a link to a video:
http://youtu.be/Uumnxzj37k4

Former User

The bearing in the pulley is probably shot.

mesrop1991

Here is another video:
http://youtu.be/lWDH2wmP_5E

When you say pulley bearing, we're talking a replacement of the A/c compressor clutch kit, correct?

Former User

Inspect clutch when pulley has been removed.

It's possible to replace only the bearing pressed into the pulley. Sears hardware stores may have the bearing.

Note that it is possible to do the job without removing the compressor refrigerant lines.

red96turbols

The clutch is bad.

mesrop1991

I went to take off the belt this morning in fear of something bad happening when driving. After I took the belt off, I felt how loose the pulley is.

Yea, the pulley is as loose as it can be.
Meaning, the bearing is bad, correct?

Ill need the ac clutch holding tool. Any other tools I'll need? I plan to do the job when it's warmer outside and I plan on leaving the refrigerant lines on.

Former User

Highly likely. The concern is that the bad bearing led to damage of the compressor shaft. Inspect when the pulley is removed.

mesrop1991

Thanks for your help thus far. I got the A/C compressor clutch and bearing off without major issue. Bearing is bad, shaft is good. But compressor unit doesnt look too good. Not sure what it should look like, and if this is ok.

I'll also post a video.





A/C Compressor with bearing and pulley removed.

mesrop1991

Here is a video, although the picture is quite clear.


If it looks Ok, I'll be purchasing this:

Former User

That's the field coil. Replace it too.

mesrop1991

I just realized that what's rotted is the field coil, and that it comes with clutch kit.

So, I will go ahead and purchase the kit and go for the install!

My last question fro now: How do I press the new bearing in!? The instructions mention a "hub assembly guide attachment," which I dont think ill be able to get my hands on. Is there a type of press i need to rent at autozone? I've never used a press!

mesrop1991

Will do. Last question is how do I press the new bearing in? Is there a type of press I need to get my hands on?

Former User

Looks like the bearing separated from the pulley, so after you remove the coil, carefully remove the bearing. Don't damage the shaft.

Use a socket to tap the new bearing into the pulley. I think you can also use a socket to tap the pulley+bearing onto the shaft.

Be sure to shim the armature plate.

mesrop1991

I used the shim from the last ac compressor clutch, and the clearance was ok all around according to specs. However, the amateur plate sits unevenly.

My plan right now is to order the shim set from honda because I cant find washers thin enough to use as shims.

Any thoughts on why it sits slightly uneven? And whether the performance would be off if I shimmed it a bit more than what the specs call for?

And lastly if there are any suggestions to where I night find washers thin enough to use as shims!

Former User

Call AutoZone or the Honda dealer about shims.

The unevenness suggests that the armature plate is not seated flat on the shaft. Please post pictures.

mesrop1991

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thanks for all your help. But I aborted mission yesterday.

Everything was in place. I ordered the shims from Honda and was putting them in, when i noticed the bearing was wobbly. I realized that the replacement pulley with bearing installed was not sitting properly with the snap ring in place. in other words, I had to press the bearing in to the point where it would seem to be off the track and became wobbly.

Returned the kit to Autozone and got my money back.

Now, I think I'd like to swap out the whole a/c compressor assembly. I know I'l have to discharge the system, replace the unit, pull a vacuum and charge it up again.

I'm concerned about oiling up the new a/c compressor. Should I get a pre oiled one? Also, do I need to replace anything else?

Thanks!

Former User

Buying the clutch kit from Honda might be a cheaper and easier route.

Shop around.

For example:
Majestic Honda
38900-P2E-A01
CLUTCH SET, COMPRESSOR
$167.64

mesrop1991

Majestic Honda is selling CLUTCH SET for 167.64 and COIL SET for 78.65. Both of which I need. I can definitely get the compressor and drier for less than that.

I'm also concerned that even with the components from honda, I'd have to face uneven scraping of the armature plate.

Former User

Can you explain.

mesrop1991

OKAY! I'm back in business. I went ahead and replaced the compressor and dryer. At first it wasn't holding a vacuum, so I changed the o-rings again and lubed them well with PAG oil. It held a vacuum over night.

I charged up the system with a 22oz can of r-134 (so I wouldn't have to weigh anything (which I'm aware I may get flack for).

A/C is working! Vacuum pulled the initial r-134, and clutch kicked in and pulled the rest.

Manifold gauges read:

When A/C off:
Low -78 psi
High - 100 psi

Clutch on:
Low - 26
High - 170

I know I wouldn't have overcharged the system, but do these numbers seem ok?

fcm

Low side pressure seems a little high,, [when "A/C on"] or not enough of a diff. between off and on, how is vent temp.?

I suspect bad expansion valve. 94

mesrop1991

The vent temp is cold, but I feel it could be colder. I don't think the system has enough refrigerant because the whole 22oz can wasn't sucked into the system. I am afraid to overcharge, since if done t in the past.

Could the difference in on and off be due to low r134a?