GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

A/C Clutch- whose knowledgable!!!

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Old 11-12-04, 10:08 AM
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UptownGS
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Default A/C Clutch- whose knowledgable!!!

Depending on various conditions, when I turn on my A/C I get a really annoying squeeky noise coming from my engine bay. Not noticeable inside but overly intrusive outside. I've pretty much narrowed it down to the A/C Clutch so well right now I almost have no idea of how to remove it.

do I have to take the whole belts off? before I can start tampering with the A/C clutch? I am trying to take off the A/C clutch and do a light disassemble to regrease everything including the bearings. I have a hunch that some grease will do the trick. Also I believe there is some special tool to remove the pulley so someone help- me out here! I hate taking my car to the mechanics!

PS on a side note, I painted my grill a gloss black last night and finally fixed some other minor issues that I was concerned with. twas a good day!
Old 11-12-04, 04:59 PM
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merlin70
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first make sure it really is the a/c clutch. Also, what engine do you have? More likely it is the idler pully going bad. The extra load from the a/c compressor could be making the idler squeal. That is a pretty common part, I have replaced two on other cars i have owned. Does is only happen with the a/c on? Does it happen more when the a/c first kicks on?

If it really is the a/c clutch i doubt you can take it apart and grease it, if it is bad enough to make that much noise it is probably gone. Go to Autozone where they loan you tools for free and see if they have a puller for the clutch, and the clutch itself. I'm guessing it is not cheap but cheaper than a whole new compressor! If autozone does not loan out that tool then you will probably be out of luck on doing it yourself.
Old 11-12-04, 05:27 PM
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UptownGS
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rarely does the sound come when the AC is not on.... but almost always during mid day temperature does the A/C cause an annoying squeel noise. It progresses as I turn the A/C up. The belts seem to be firm and when I spray WD40 all up in there the noise goes away for a day or two.... but I really do not want to be constantly spraying WD40.... but then again i do want a new GTE engine!
Old 11-12-04, 10:10 PM
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TAMR_GUS98
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Post A/C noise

Try changing the belt first. I would not recommend WD-40 on the serpentine belt.
Will
Old 11-13-04, 01:22 PM
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VVT-i
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AC clutch is not serviceable. If the noise goes away when you spray WD40, then you need a new drive belt, which is cheaper than the AC clutch.
Old 11-13-04, 04:45 PM
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asci01
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Originally posted by VVT-i
AC clutch is not serviceable. If the noise goes away when you spray WD40, then you need a new drive belt, which is cheaper than the AC clutch.


Agreed. Always start with the simplest and cheapest of the possible sources of the problem

M2C.
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