Pulley system

I am getting a horrible grind sound from one of the wheels in the pulley system of my 97 century. If you are looking at the engine it is the wheel or pulley closest to you at the bottom. I believe it is somehow part of the cooling sytem or fans. If the center portion of the wheel is spinning it sounds fine...however, the center portion periodically stops spinning emitting a horrible sound. It seems like I can effect this by changing the blower settings in the cabin.

Is this some sort of clutch on the fan belt?

Does it just need some grease or does it need replacement?

What part is this?


Thanks for reading.

BS

It's the AC compressor. the reason for the clutch is that its only engaged when the compressor needs to run.

Unfortunately, there isn't anything I can really think of to fix it, other than a new compressor. go to an auto parts store and get a remanufactured Delco unit, should be about 300 dollars.

I'm not sure about lubricating it, does the air get cold? if not, it may be low on refrigerant. Sometimes low refrigerant will cause a grinding noise that leads you to believe the pulley is faulty.

AC compressor eh??.. I can see the pulley is not turning when i hear the grinding noise. I will try to lube it and see what happens. I let you know if that fixes it.

Thanks for the response.

BS

From the description and location you've provided, you are describing the A/C compressor. You may be able to install a new bearing as part of a clutch rebuild kit and not have to break any connections, loosing your freon charge. :2cents:

This is no way to externally lubricate this part.

Yeah, the A/C comp. is what you are looking at.

btw has anyone here changed one of these Variable Displacement Compressors? My wife gets cold but is making a horrible knocking sound, it sounds like a bad rod bearing it is so bad. So I unplugged it. I have posted questions in here before but got no response. I have changed many compressors in the past but the directions on the new ones are confussing at best.