How to fix bearing noise in Aircon compressor - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

speedy · 08-23-2002, 07:02

I have had my EA Falcon for just over 1 year and it has no belt on the aircon compressor. I put one on and it works fine, but then after about 5 minutes it started to make a grinding noise from the aircon compressor. I was just wondering how to fix this.

I can not afford a new aircon compressor so I just want to fix it or when summer comes I will have the noiseiest falcon around.

thanx guys

Aussiblue · 08-23-2002, 07:43

What brand and model number compressor is it? If it's a Sanden replacing the bearing and seal in can be done. You vcan do it with most brands. The Ford factory manual shows how and the Sanden net site http://www.sanden.com/ has some service and parts manuals here http://www.sanden.com/support/pdf_library.html. Do you have access to a hydraulic press?

Aussiblue · 08-23-2002, 07:46

PS You will need someone to ungas and regas it; get a mobile service; good ones will be happy to ungas one day and come back the next and regas it. They may even sell you the required genuine Sanden parts if they think you know what you are doing.

Martin · 08-23-2002, 07:56

Its probably the tensioner pully bearing not the actual compressor? Ive had to replace one in both my EA and ED at around the 150,000kms mark.
Costs about $5 to fix....

Spin the tensioner pully by hand, if it sound 'grindy' then its probably it.

Aussiblue · 08-23-2002, 08:03

Take the belt off again and try spinning both the tensioner pully and the air con one by hand and you'll soon know which one it is. The air con with its clutch disengaged will spin very freely and smoothly.

Aussiblue · 08-23-2002, 08:15

To quote the Sanden Manual:

"10.5 Unusual Noise Not due to Compressor
Unusual noises may be caused by components other than the compressor.
1. Compressor Mounting - Check for:
� Loose belt - see belt tension specifications.
� Broken bracket or compressor mounting ear. Replace broken component.
� Missing, broken, or loose mounting bolts. Replace, reinstall, or tighten.
� Flush fit of compressor to bracket and vehicle engine. Replace any part not properly fitted.
� Loose or wobbling crankshaft pulley. Check for damage to pulley, incorrect center bolt torque or
center bolt bottoming. Repair to vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
� Bad idler pulley bearing. Replace if necessary.
2. Other Engine components - Check for noise in:
� Alternator bearing
� Air pump (if present)
� Water pump bearing
� Valves
� Timing belt or chain
� Power steering pump (if present)
� Loose engine mount bolts.
10.6 Unusual Noises Due to Compressor
1. Suction pressure less than about 5 psig can cause unusual noise. Charge refrigerant to proper
amount and test by applying heat to evaporator to increase suction pressure.
2. Clutch bearing--See clutch Inspection in section 10.4
3. Oil level--insufficient oil can cause unusual noise. See Oil Level Check Procedure in Section 10.2.
4. Valve Noise--test for valve plate assembly failure per Valve Plate Test Procedure in Section 10.7."

speedy · 08-23-2002, 20:07

I looked at it today and I have a sanden compressor. It is defiantly the bearing in the compressor as when I spin it makes the grinding noise. I also checked the tensioner pulley and that is ok. Aussiblue I have looked at the two sites that you informed me about and they did not load properly.

Does anyone have the information on how to fix the bearing, because I only have a Gregory�s Manuel and not a Genuine Ford one?

thanx for all your help.

Aussiblue · 08-23-2002, 22:12

The manual is very big so you have to wait ten minutes for it to download and you need Adobe Acrobat reader (you can down load free from 101 different sites). The downloaded manual shows you how to repair Sanden compressors and they are all similar as far as the bearing goes.

Jase_ELXR8 · 08-23-2002, 23:03

Your best bet is to just get one from the wreckers. I't will work out cheaper once you factor in you own time, plus you dont know what else is worn in the compressor. You might find it wont compress the gas once you've changed the bearings.