2000 Voyager AC compressor and transmission?

[sorourke]

Hello all-

New to the forum and posting a question on our 2000 Voyager...

Took it to our mechanic thinking we had a front brakes problem. We were getting a groaning noise when braking in stop and go traffic. It was most frequent when we were at low speeds and braking slowly. Mechanic said all brakes were fine (lots of brake material left). What he did say was that the "AC compressor was causing stress or strain on the transmission." That was the groaning sound we were hearing as the car downshifted while braking.

Has anyone had a similar situation? If so, did you have to install a new compressor? Could there be a less costly solution than a new compressor? Presumably driving without the AC on would not stress the tranny, right?

We've been sinking more money into maintaining the car lately and we're wondering if the cost of maintaining an older vehicle with fair to poor mpg is going to be worth it. Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance.

[Bernard Feltzer]

Turn your AC off, drive and see if it still groans.
Most groans are cause by power steering pump going bad or clogged screen.
AC units usually clatter when they go bad.
How about a more precise location of where noise is coming from? Where is noise when hood is open and you are staring at that amazing engineering marvel ?
Is it worth it ? What will you think when gasoline goes to $4.65 a gallon next month ?

[sorourke]

Thanks for the reply. We haven't listened to it with the hood open to identify a precise location. We just noticed the noise has a clear correlation with slow braking, especially at start-up. We did think of turning the AC off to see if the groan persists. What we found was that the noise is still present the first 2-3 times you brake, but then it dissipates. Sorry for not having more information for you. I'd go check now, but the Mrs. has the car on the road. The point about gas prices and mpg is well-taken. We've been saving to get a new car for that exact reason, but doing so right now would be a tough financial squeeze.

[wafrederick]

Do not get a new A/C compressor,they are 100% junk and fail right away.Get an used one from the junkyard if it is the compressor,they last longer than a new one.If it is the bearing for the pulley where the belt goes on,you can get just that part from the dealer.It will come with a new pulley ,the a/c clutch and new snap ring.

[RIP]

Tough to argue with experience but, I've installed three new compressors, one from Autozone, one from PepBoys, and one from a local parts store and all are working fine years later. Just make sure you change the filter/drier at the same time and get the correct amount of oil in it.

[wafrederick]

My father knows about this,he put in new ones and failed the next day.They were from 4 seasons and would not cover them under warranty.My father puts in used ones and has the best luck with them.None of them came back.