Air Conditioner Question

[Diosita]

Hello, I'm new at this, so forgive my ignorance in regards to terminology.

S-10
1996
4x4
4.3L
V6
with air

I've been lucky to have had few problems with my truck but recently I noted that my air conditioner, though it works fine, might have a problem. The serpentine belt, which looked worn was running fine over the air conditioner 'module' but the peice just beyond the belt, which appears to run also from the belt, stops spinning with a high pitched noise when the truck idles. It only stops for a few moments and then starts back up again. This happens sporadically.

I replaced the serpentine belt hoping that this would solve my issue. But, alas, it has not. Since I am new at this, perhaps I do not have a problem and this is normal? Though the sound alarms me, for it doesn't sound 'healthy' but my air conditioning still works fine.

Any advice or enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by Diosita

Hello, I'm new at this, so forgive my ignorance in regards to terminology.

S-10
1996
4x4
4.3L
V6
with air

I've been lucky to have had few problems with my truck but recently I noted that my air conditioner, though it works fine, might have a problem. The serpentine belt, which looked worn was running fine over the air conditioner 'module' but the peice just beyond the belt, which appears to run also from the belt, stops spinning with a high pitched noise when the truck idles. It only stops for a few moments and then starts back up again. This happens sporadically.

I replaced the serpentine belt hoping that this would solve my issue. But, alas, it has not. Since I am new at this, perhaps I do not have a problem and this is normal? Though the sound alarms me, for it doesn't sound 'healthy' but my air conditioning still works fine.

Any advice or enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.

My guess is the clutch on the compressor is going bad. You can get new or rebuilt ones anywhere. If you are not familier with AC systems, you should contact someone who is.

[dug074]

Yep, cluch could be, or bearing. Get fixed/replaced asap. I had a simular situation, bearing seized the AC pully. The serp belt will burn off. With no serp belt, no alternator, no power steering / brakes... It sucks.

[Diosita]

Thank you, everyone, for your replies and helpful suggestions but I brought it in to see what the problem was...and there was no problem.

Apparently the compressor doesn't constantly run, it only runs when the air is on or when it needs to cool the engine.

The serpentine belt that I swapped out last week after seven years of service was still in 'exceptional' shape.

Thank you, again, and I apologize for wasting anyone's time.

Regards,

D

[curtis73]

No problem, that's why we're all here. The belt goes around the pulley on the A/C compressor and free-wheels when not in use. When you turn the A/C on a clutch engages the compressor and the front part starts turning like you described. Even during normal operation, the compressor will turn on and off to maintain proper pressure of the refrigerant for the Climate control.