Bad Compressor?

[phewop118]

Is the a/c compressor the thing attatched to the belt at the bottom left side of the engine? When my a/c is on, instead of turning smoothly with everything else on the belt, it wobbles back and forth. My air doesn't really get cold like it should either. Should the compressor "wobble" like this, or should I replace it.

[LittleHoov]

there should be a layout in your owner's manual that shows what all the pullies are for belt routing purposes...but from the sound of it, you are describing the AC compressor, and given your other symptoms it seems like it may be the problem...does it make any strange noises? like a groaning or something unnatural? does the noise go away when the compressor is engaged or disengaged?

the AC compressor isnt something thats incredibly easy to do yourself, especially with all of the refrigerant and things involved thats one item usually left to professionals...thats basically what it says in the Chiltons as well if i remember right, so it wont help you much either.

[phewop118]

Yeah, I have a groaning sound that varies with engine rpm when the compressor is on. I thought it was just the blower motor, as it will groan even if I'm in "economy" mode and I put it on defrost or recirculate. I'll check and see if that's where the sound's coming from. Until about a week ago, it blew cold air on the passengers side and "regular" air on the driver's side. After a while, it would be cool on both sides (not blower door actuator problem, but probably low refrigrant). Now, it doesn't seem to get cool at all. What do you think the labor would cost to install a new compressor at the stealership?

[phewop118]

I just looked at it and the thing wasn't wobbling now, but I had it on for only a few seconds. However, I noticed something that scares me a little. There is white stuff (not what you're thinking!) splattered up from that area onto the battery case, coolant tank, etc. What would refrigerant look like? Would dry up like a thick milky substance splattered in little drops?