mstep3

Lately I've been getting a really weird noise when I first turn on my AC. Sounds like a belt slipping or a groaning noise. It only happens for the first 5 or 10 seconds, but then the noise goes away. Seems to mainly happen when temperature is 90-100F outside. Only hear the noise if AC is engaged. I know that serpentine belt is fine because I changed it a couple of years ago. I was just wondering if there is anything that I need to do to the A/C compressor to maintain it (like oiling it or anything), or if the noise just means it's getting ready to go out?

Thanks for any help or suggestions..........

high bid

I'd try adding a can of freon+oil...it may be a little low. If the compressor is going to go out, I don't believe there is anything to prevent it. Good luck.

Busboy

Is the condenser and radiator clean? A plugged rad from oil from the breather will restrict airflow causing high head pressures. With the engine off you should be able to rotate the very front of the compressor, not the part the belt rides on, it should be smooth with no rough spots. I would also take a look at the tensioner pulley as the bearings on those tend to go out.

KATOOM

I just recently experienced an issue called compressor "slugging". Its when the AC system isnt used for awhile and the freon and oil slowly drains down into compressor which is mounted low on these engines. Then when you turn the AC on, that initial cycle of the compressor is very hard and shoving all that freon/oil through the system causes issues. This is terribly hard on the compressor too.

Not a problem for compressors which are mounted high on an engine either.

Note..... slugging issues will eventually harm the compressor and will also cause the compressor clutch to fail. Have the system checked ASAP for the correct pressures. It may be that the system is simply low. A system low on freon will not run very efficient which will result in the oils not flowing through the system correctly and allow the oil to puddle in places it shouldn't.