90 CRX DX. AC compressor is starting to make a metallic rubbing noise from the ac compressor when i first start the car. It gets less as things warm up. Do these compressors take a bearing or clutch assembly? Thanks.

 

Yeah.Both,lol. Check your a/c belt tensioner bearing 1st! (pretty common,replaced quite a few of them)

 

Start by determining whether the noise comes from the compressor or idler pulley. An engine stethoscope may help.

Is the noise only heard when the A/C is on?

 

^ or a long screwdriver if you can reach things directly.

 

Noise is heard even with AC off.

 

Well the idler is turning as long as engine running since it's belt driven off of engine crank pulley.loosen tension,remove belt,see if noise gone.while belt off (eng off also),roll idler + ac by hand to check for "free-rolling"-or if "dragging feeling" due to bearing wear... (try + turn back part of ac,NOT the outter clutch section if that makes any sense to you)

 

I didnt realize that there was an idler. But the compressor pulley is always turning also. So....Just wondering which gives more problems? So the compressor takes the whole clutch assembly? Any seals behind this?