Thread: This freeking AC... AC woes Again!

First of all: My rant...
Ever since I have had this car the a/c system has been the only damn mechanical thing that gives me grief. I don't get it. First off, the car is a 1998, so of course everything that breaks I have to buy brand new because none of the 95-97, or b13 stuff works - the lines are different, the compressor is different, etc.

My low pressure line has broken 3 times, and I've replaced it new every time. Seems as though the damn thing cracks right at the first bend off the compressor. I blame myself because I haven't looked too much into it, but I think the reason it is happening is the fact that I have all solid mounts? It's not a big deal, because its only like 70 bucks or so a year to replace... gung hoe right. Nonethless, that is not the issue this time.

It's my stupid a/c compressor this time.... (Great $$$$$$)

Okay, cliff notes
I noticed yesterday that my AC compressor is acting up. I can hear the pully making funny noises when the clutch is off. It sounded like a bad power steering pump, like a rattling. The a/c works intermidently (sp?). When I punch it it seems to get a little warmer and I smell that warm AC smell. I though maybe a belt was loosening and the belt was randomly spinning on the pulley, but I checked and it seemed tight. My immediate reaction is this thing is on its way to a ride on the fail boat.

Questions?
1. If the compressor goes bad will it seize the pully and leave me stranded?
2. Is the compressor oiled in any way? Is this my fault - can the compressor be lubricated? Is this a result of me not maintaining something correctly?
3. Most importantly, does anyone have an extra 1998/1999 SR20 Compressor they don't need?

I've done without a/c on this car multiple times before, and I can do it again. I just don't want this thing to seize on me and cause me to get stranded. And honestly I don't know enough about the system besides the nuts and bolts. I will prepare to bypass the compressor with an old belt I have from my old sentra if I have to.

Anyone have any advice to share? Anything would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tokes

The compressor is oiled by the use of the Freon you charge the system with. Not your fault at all, as they're meant to be maintenance free. The oil used with the Freon is supposed to keep everything properly lubricated.

I don't believe it will seize, however you may want to just bypass it with a $15 belt for the time being, until you decide to replace the compressor. Safest bet, tbh. That, and when you do decide to replace the A/C, you don't have to worry about the alty not charging while you take the A/C compressor to a parts place to do a core exchange.

^^^ Good point Tekster. I'm going to go ahead and replace my belt. I've got one laying around here that's in pretty good condition.

Damn A/C system owns my daily so hard.

Hey! sell me your compressor! you know you want to!!!

If the compressor seizes you usually are still be able to run. Remember that the compressor has a clutch which is disengaged when the A/C is off. But, you do not want the compressor to seize in the first place. It will dump a bunch of crap into your A/C system when it happens.

The compressor is not oiled by freon, it is oiled by oil. Sometimes, the freon you put in the system has oil in it. The A/C system is not maintenance free. If you have a leak, you will eventually lose the oil out of your system. You are also supposed to replace the dryer every so often to keep moisture out of the system.

Tokes, this place is supposed to be very good and cheap for A/C parts. http://www.techchoiceparts.com/ I just ordered a compressor for my NX from them. I don't think they even have a core charge.

At minimum, you should replace your dryer and expansion valve when you replace the compressor.

Thanks for that. I saved that site in my favorites...

I have a pretty good feeling that the bearings are going bad. 10 years with the last three of me probably not doing some things right probably led to it going. I've never replaced the dryer, and I honestly don't even know what an expansion valve is.

Yo Tokes what you need a/c for in Ohio for? Anyway i have a b14 a/c alt belt if u need it, never used oem.


thanks for the link ishkabibble, I am going to order my compressor and dyer from the for my classic

Thanks I meant that most freon you get (like autozone/checkers/etc.) comes pre-oiled. What I meant by maintenance free is that if the system is sealed properly, you will not have any leaks, and therefore SHOULDN'T have any issues.

I agree though, if you're going to replace the compressor, you might as well replace other necessary components to help prevent further headaches.

Well, on the drive home I got a chance to figure some stuff out.

The a/c does indeed work... when the clutch comes on, the noise stops , but when i turn the a/c off that is when the noise comes on. I played with the a/c button in the driveway, and when it's turned off you can see the clutch barely catch the pulley and that is what is making the noise... wierd.

Maybe try replacing just the clutch (if you can find one)

Well, I figured it out exactly what the problem was... but the solution? I'll see if you all can help me hehe... I decided to take off my belt and run the ac delete belt for now.

Only true ballers buy special order jackstand from Yugoslavia to match their rides... we also don't wash our cars as often because we order bottled spring water from Michigan and only use fashion models from Houston to do it. hahaha


So I take a peak under the whip...


And this vid explains everything. There is a ring that is part of the clutch assembly. But for some odd reason it is very loose. The ac compressor is fine, it works, its all external. Any ideas? Grab some popcorn...