Has anyone had problems with the A/C Compressor sounding as if it is going to EXPLODE?

After the truck has sat overnight, it will start fine and idle perfect. However, with engine running if you push the button to cut on the A/C, it sounds as if the compressor was locked up and when it engages it breaks it loose violently. After the very loud crack the sound goes away immediately, cold air blows and the compressor cycles as normal. If you shut down the truck after driving it does not happen again. It only happens after the truck has sat for overnight or longer.

It makes no rattling sounds when in operation and sounds perfect when it cycles.

I almost think it's not the compressor, but maybe the Clutch?

Any thoughts?

 

Well, look at it to see if clutch slips. Has it been serviced lately? There is possibility it is overfilled with oil. Pistons hydraulic lock as trying to push oil from each piston chamber. Once cleaned out works until sets long enough to refill from draindown.

 

I've read of lots of people with the same issue, including me. I say if its not broke don't fix it. if its something that just started then maybe there is a problem.

 

My new 07 AND my old 04.5 sounds the same way. Outside it sounds HORRIBLE!

 

Yep, normal mines done it from day 1.....but yea it does sound terrible, almost embarrassing.

 

It did just start maybe a month or so ago. I agree if it it is not broke don't fix it. The air still blows very cold and after the initial sound it does not act up or sound bad at all!

But I am concerned that if the compressor locked up, it might break the belt I do allot of Long trips and this would not be good. Does anybody know what size belt you would need to bypass the compressor (or if you can at all)?

And summer is on it's way!!


"dozer12216 Well, look at it to see if clutch slips. Has it been serviced lately? There is possibility it is overfilled with oil. Pistons hydraulic lock as trying to push oil from each piston chamber. Once cleaned out works until sets long enough to refill from drain down."

It has not been serviced.
I did crawl under the truck and have my wife push the button and it's hard to tell if the clutch is kicking out correctly. I kind of thought it might be the clutch too.(The clutch kicks in and out properly during normal operation)
Main reason being that if the pistons were causing the problem then it would seem logical that they would continue to make noise. But, the comment about "Pistons hydraulic lock as trying to push oil from each piston chamber" seems realistic - the pistons are dry and when the compressor turns over BAM LOUD CRACK, when the pistons get oiled up then everything goes to normal........I guess?

Has anybody had to change a compressor lately?

 

When you say sounds horrible. Does it sound like an enormous CRACK and go right away?

 

That's what mine sounds like.
Bob

 

Replaced my compressor 3 times in 3 years and the new one dont make the noise for about month and then they all start doing it.

 

How much does it cost? Can you do most of the work yourself? Do you know about how long after the noise starts the compressor fails? Does it throw the belt off when it does?

 

Mine does it too. Not too worried, but it seems like I loose about 2 mpg with the AC on. Wonder if it's dragging.

 

Yeah I have reached 20-21mpg Hwy Not running A/C. But when I do it seems to drop to around 18-19mpg. But if I get in stop and go, or above 70mph it drops to 15 or less.

So has anyone replaced a compressor?

 

Mine did it from day one too. It is an embarrasing sound! Makes the little birdies fly away.

 

Mine does it, too.
I have not yet tried to be under the hood to witness the event but I have been wondering if it is the A/C compressor or the electrically activated fan clutch. (which I dont have a clue as to how it actually functions....yet)

 

very strange!!

normally when a mechanical device makes that kind of noise, it's a clear indicator something is damaged and getting ready to scatter.

but with the number of folks reporting it as normal.... go figure... might be normal?