2004 Express 2500 air conditioner problem

[IMtnBike]

I have a problem with the air-conditioner belt tensioner. It rattles and makes a chatter sound when I rev the engine or when I first start moving. Once i get on the highway, the noise is not there. I replaced the belt tensioner twice and it still does it. When the compressor is engaged, it bounces like crazy and makes the noise. Could the compressior be the problem? Any help would be appreciated.

Jeff

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by IMtnBike

I have a problem with the air-conditioner belt tensioner. It rattles and makes a chatter sound when I rev the engine or when I first start moving. Once i get on the highway, the noise is not there. I replaced the belt tensioner twice and it still does it. When the compressor is engaged, it bounces like crazy and makes the noise. Could the compressior be the problem? Any help would be appreciated.

Jeff

Was the belt and correct belt replaced?
Are all pulleys running true?
What are you ac low and high side pressure at idle and at 2K rpm?
Ac compressor front bearing good?

[IMtnBike]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Was the belt and correct belt replaced?
Are all pulleys running true?
What are you ac low and high side pressure at idle and at 2K rpm?
Ac compressor front bearing good?

Thanks for the info. It has been determined by 3 mechanics that the compressor is the problem. They want $1400.00 to replace it. I would like to replace it myself. Is it very difficult to do? Other than a compressor, what additional parts will I need? Is it safe to buy a remanufactured one on E-Bay or should I buy local? It has rear air too. Anything special need to be done for this? Thanks for all your help. Jeff

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by IMtnBike

Thanks for the info. It has been determined by 3 mechanics that the compressor is the problem. They want $1400.00 to replace it. I would like to replace it myself. Is it very difficult to do? Other than a compressor, what additional parts will I need? Is it safe to buy a remanufactured one on E-Bay or should I buy local? It has rear air too. Anything special need to be done for this? Thanks for all your help. Jeff

What is wrong with compressor to make belt shake?
Lot of problems with manufactured compressors.
Go brand new.
Most local parts places have brand new at good prices.
The receiver dryer and expansion orifice tube need replace with a compressor.
Also the correct oil and correct amount of oil.
And if compressor shelled out it may need a flush to clean system.

On recharging when replaced if you do not have a good vacuum pump and recharge gauges it is best to send it to a repair shop to get recharge.

[MT-2500]

1400 $ us is very a very high price for that job.
Parts should not run over 500$
With the extra 900 dollars you could even by the recharge equipment and have few steak dinners left over.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?S...egory_Code=DIY

http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?S...&Category_Code

http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?S...erantGaugeSets

[IMtnBike]

There was a service bulletin issued by GM #03-01-38-019A "Underhood Rattle Noise Heard on Acceleration". It affected models 2002-2004 Express vans plus many more models. I have a retired mechanic who is going to charge it for the cost of the freon. I am going to do it myself. Is there anything tricky about removing the compressor. It looks like it will be easy since it is on the bottom of the engine. Does anything else need to be removed to get it out ? Thanks for your help. Jeff

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by IMtnBike

There was a service bulletin issued by GM #03-01-38-019A "Underhood Rattle Noise Heard on Acceleration". It affected models 2002-2004 Express vans plus many more models. I have a retired mechanic who is going to charge it for the cost of the freon. I am going to do it myself. Is there anything tricky about removing the compressor. It looks like it will be easy since it is on the bottom of the engine. Does anything else need to be removed to get it out ? Thanks for your help. Jeff

You are welcome.
You might get a copy of that TSB and look it over.
Should be a piece of cake to change it.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[IMtnBike]

I have it. The service manager at the local GMC dealer gave it to me. I thought, perhaps I could contact GM and see if they would take care of it, since they knew about the problem since 2002. I decided it wasn't woth my time. Now that GM is Government Motors! LOL

[MT-2500]

TSB's are just information on repair of known problems.
If it fits your problem go threw the TSB.
But on TSB's
They are a you pay deal.
Recalls are they pay deals.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

[IMtnBike]

I installed the compressor today. It took about 4 hours including the drier and orifice tube. No major problem. I found out that the passanger side wheel needs to be removed. You can get to most of the bolts through the wheel well. It comes out through the bottom with a little bit of twisting & turning. Thanks for all your help.
Jeff

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by IMtnBike

I installed the compressor today. It took about 4 hours including the drier and orifice tube. No major problem. I found out that the passanger side wheel needs to be removed. You can get to most of the bolts through the wheel well. It comes out through the bottom with a little bit of twisting & turning. Thanks for all your help.
Jeff

You are welcome.
Thanks for posting back how it went.
Good Luck