YACT: Whirring comming from A/C compressor when off?

[Eli]

When the A/C is off in our '87 Camry, we're getting this strange whirring noise.. Just started.

Turning the A/C on makes it go away.

The compressor must be on its way out? It's not going to lock up and prevent the engine from running or anything is it?

A/C gurus welcome.

 

[Shawn]

The compressor must be on its way out? It's not going to lock up and prevent the engine from running or anything is it?

Maybe, maybe not. Does your AC still work? If so just leave it alone till it breaks something.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Supercharged

The compressor must be on its way out? It's not going to lock up and prevent the engine from running or anything is it?

Maybe, maybe not. Does your AC still work? If so just leave it alone till it breaks something.

Not sure if it still works or not, was just doing some basic troubleshooting. The sound is definately comming from the compressor though.

I wrote it up as something to not really worry about being winter and all, but to keep an eye on it...

 

[CrackRabbit]

Could it be the bearings on the pulley going bad and the noise from the compressor masks it when it on....?

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: CrackRabbit
Could it be the bearings on the pulley going bad and the noise from the compressor masks it when it on....?

Good guess CrackRabbit.

Eli I would diagnosis the problem this way. Remove the A/C belt and manually turn the pulley & clutch. You are looking for any signs for drag or resistance. Replace the affected part to resolve the concern. If there isn't any drag then the noise could be caused by not enough clearance between the clutch and the pulley and this would have to be shimmed to resolved.