Aircon compressor

[mfp4073]

I actually got to drive my car yesterday thinking all the jobs I had to do on the car were now done.
As luck would have it I heard a slight grinding noise from the front of the engine. I have traced the noise to the aircon compressor.
I took the aircon belt off and found that when you spin the aircon unit by hand you can hear the noise. So I'm thinking it probably needs a new bearing and clutch assembly, or as a last resort a new compressor. The unit itself works fine and blows cold air.
Has anybody any advice on parts and prices?
I've contacted a couple of places local to me but they all say buy a new compressor. When I tell them it's for a Monaro.....well you can imagine the response.
Happy days indeed!!!!

Edited by mfp4073 on Wednesday 4th September 12:08

[Lincsls1]

ACDELCO 1521469 $250 from RockAuto?
Doesn't seem to bad for new unit, I except there's shipping and taxes though.
Not sure if there's a refurb kit for the original though and since its going to have to come off for repair is it worth risking it?

[mfp4073]

Lincsls1 said:

ACDELCO 1521469 $250 from RockAuto?
Doesn't seem to bad for new unit, I except there's shipping and taxes though.
Not sure if there's a refurb kit for the original though and since its going to have to come off for repair is it worth risking it?

Ive just been to Vauxhall and nothing is available now, however some parts were listed under their vintage parts? so I will give the head office a call. I did get a print out of part numbers and an exploded diagram of the compressor, it looks pretty straight forward.....until you try and pull it apart that is.
If I get stuck I'll give rock auto a call.

Thanks.
John

[Lincsls1]

^^^ Bumping this thread.
Hi John.
What was the outcome / solution of this please?
Mine suddenly got noisy, and it turns out the actually compressor bearings are on the way out.
Cheers...

[mfp4073]

Lincsls1 said:

^^^ Bumping this thread.
Hi John.
What was the outcome / solution of this please?
Mine suddenly got noisy, and it turns out the actually compressor bearings are on the way out.
Cheers...

Well if you really want to traumatise me by reliving the experience….
It turns out the electric clutch unit on the end of the compressor had a slight amount of play which was causing the rattling noise. The unit will continue to work as normal if this isn’t too bad.

Now most people would leave well alone…..but hey we aren’t most people or you wouldn’t have a Monaro.

I obtained a replacement clutch from rock auto together with a clutch removal tool, note..you also need a second tool to fit the new clutch…..I assumed you would get both….obviously I didn’t.
With great skill I managed to remove the old clutch and at the same time I damaged the compressor which poured out oil everywhere. As a result I ended up in a fit of rage at my own incompetence

Thankfully AAS were able to order and fit a new compressor.
I think it was a £500.00 job but I’d have to check, plus lots of beer to help my depression!

If the bearings are on the way out I would just get a brand new unit and be done with it, a rebuild is possible if you can find someone competent enough to do it.

Also I wouldn’t use the aircon until it’s fixed. You really don’t want to risk any metal debris damaging the rest of the system, that will ruin your day.

Hope that helps

[Topcats Monaro]

Hi had the same problem with my Monaro's pump. Tried regassing it and started smoking! Bought one from rock auto with fed ex so no custom charges
and fitted it myself.
Also found the electric fan had seized and blew the 30amp fuse. Fixed that with an Insignia fan shroud which fitted nicely.
Now have lovely cold air and the fans work as well when it's on. Which is how it is supposed to be.
Only found out when the car started to overheat in traffic. doh.