'01 Venture's "Grinding" Noise in Engine Compartment

[mcwilbe]

Here's the story,
Bought the Venture for my wife in '01, but wasn't around much to do the maintnence. Thus today I get a call stating the there's a "grinding" noise (I heard it for myself this afternoon, definately metal rubbing on something) within the engine compartment which increases/decreases with the speed (I'm thinking possible bearings needing greasing, but have been very wrong in the past). In addition, I also had my wife drive the car around the block to hear if I could hear anything from outside the car (No luck there).
Just for fun I opened her up and checked the serp belt (good there) as-well-as the fan (nothing rubbing).
Any help would be appreciated as I'm at wits end.

[SWDEE]

Originally Posted by mcwilbe

Here's the story,
Bought the Venture for my wife in '01, but wasn't around much to do the maintnence. Thus today I get a call stating the there's a "grinding" noise (I heard it for myself this afternoon, definately metal rubbing on something) within the engine compartment which increases/decreases with the speed (I'm thinking possible bearings needing greasing, but have been very wrong in the past). In addition, I also had my wife drive the car around the block to hear if I could hear anything from outside the car (No luck there).
Just for fun I opened her up and checked the serp belt (good there) as-well-as the fan (nothing rubbing).
Any help would be appreciated as I'm at wits end.

OK.... same problem here. What I think it is,,, is the A/C compressor or clutching system it may even be a bearing. When the Venture is running turn on the A/C....does the noise go away or reduce quite a bit. If it does I would suspect it would be the compressor. I even took off the Serpintine belt to check each pully IE.. power accys rotated each pully freehand and the only one that sounded strange was the A/C also when the A/C is engaged the nosie goes away. The exact sound I am getting sounds like a power stearing pump gone bad...but it is not. Try my suggestions... If ya want I have a auction number on Ebay where ya can get a rebuilt compressor for $150.00 delivered... great deal; I am going to buy one tomorrow same problem here. If ya want to talk call me at 847-837-8510....

[4432flying]

Originally Posted by SWDEE

OK.... same problem here. What I think it is,,, is the A/C compressor or clutching system it may even be a bearing. When the Venture is running turn on the A/C....does the noise go away or reduce quite a bit. If it does I would suspect it would be the compressor. I even took off the Serpintine belt to check each pully IE.. power accys rotated each pully freehand and the only one that sounded strange was the A/C also when the A/C is engaged the nosie goes away. The exact sound I am getting sounds like a power stearing pump gone bad...but it is not. Try my suggestions... If ya want I have a auction number on Ebay where ya can get a rebuilt compressor for $150.00 delivered... great deal; I am going to buy one tomorrow same problem here. If ya want to talk call me at 847-837-8510....

If the noise goes away when the AC is on and is noisy with it off, the problem is not in the compressor. It is the bearing in the pulley. that bearing only turns when the compressor is stopped. good luck.