YACT

[sswingle]

Well, my car makes an annoying sound like something is rubbing. Metal on metal. Only when the A/C is OFF though. Turn the A/C on and the noise goes away. I got two different opinions. Both said it was the A/C clutch, however, one said its no big deal, just a noise, and the other says it'll "tear up the engine"

The car is a 2000 Cavalier. The guy that said it needs to be fixed also quoted me around $1000 to fix. Uhm...that seems a bit high.

So my questions.
How important is this to fix?
How much would a new A/C clutch cost me, or is the $1000 estimate really genuine. I have friends that can fix cars, so if I could buy one somewhere, they could probably install it for me.
I was also told that it might not be possible to buy just a clutch and they would have to replace the entire A/C unit, and that is why the cost was so high. I can't believe they don't sell the individual parts. The A/C works great, so any comments on that also.

Thanks!

 

[iamwiz82]

Go to a junkyard and pick up a whole new AC assembly and replace everything. It shouldn't run more than $150. That's assuming you are handy and don't mind releasing R134a.

It sounds as if the clutch isn't dis-engaging completely. It's an electro magnet that engages it.

 

[Black88GTA]

The same thing happened to me a couple months ago. It turns out that the A/C clutch "disc" separated from the clutch hub and was spinning around it, causing a noise. When A/C was turned on, the magnet would power up and hold the disc to the pulley (no more scraping noise) but the compressor wouldn't turn because the disc was no longer connected to the hub, and was freewheeling around it.

For what it's worth, I bought a new replacement AC clutch off Ebay for $30 shipped, and installed it in under an hour in my 92 Mustang. YMMV of course, but it can't be TOO much different.

 

[Black88GTA]

Here's one on Ebay - new AC compressor w/clutch for $120+$25 shipping. Make sure it fits your engine first though - this one's for the 2.2L.

1994-2001 Cavalier, Grand Am, Sunfire

Remanufactured A/C compressor with clutch for the following vehicles:

V-5 with 5 poly clutch

1994-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier with 2.2L

1994-1995 Pontiac Grand Am with 2.3L

1995-2001 Pontiac Sunfire with 2.2L and 2.3L

All compressors are manufactured with new o-rings, seals, gaskets, and bearings,

All compressors sold are accompanied with one year warranty.

Compressor is shipped without oil. Manufacturer recommends use of PAG oil 6 ounces

 

[Toastedlightly]

It won't tear up your engine, you may loose your AC, that is about it. It MIGHT, SLIGHT RISK OF, slicing a belt if someting gets free, but most likely not.

 

[SuperSix]

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly
It won't tear up your engine, you may loose your AC, that is about it. It MIGHT, SLIGHT RISK OF, slicing a belt if someting gets free, but most likely not.

You are correct.
OP, you do need to get it fixed, if the compressor locks up - you won't be able to drive.
This recenlty happened on my nephew's Corsica. COmpressor locked up - car wouldn't run. I grabbed a used compressor from the 'yard for 30.00, and popped it in. We plan on evacing and charging the system when it gets a bit warmer.

 

[Wingznut]

Originally posted by: Toastedlightly
It won't tear up your engine, you may loose your AC, that is about it. It MIGHT, SLIGHT RISK OF, slicing a belt if someting gets free, but most likely not.

Or... It could break and seize up the pully. Seen it dozens of times.

You can replace just the clutch, although it will most likely require some tools such as snap-ring pliers and a puller. The quote of $1000 sounds like they are replacing the entire compressor. Go get another opinion.

Replacing the compressor yourself is more difficult than iamwiz82 suggests. Releasing the refrigerant is possibly dangerous to yourself. And once the components are replaced, you'll have to take it to a shop to have it evacuated and recharged. This will probably run a couple hundred dollars.

For the short term, just leave your A/C on all the time. It won't hurt anything.