A/C Clutch making noise

[markqc]

My 2000 seems to be making some noise from the A/C clutch. Sort of a rattling noise. When I turn on the A/C the noise seems to go away. Otherwise it seems to function normally.

Can I blow some air on the clutch area and spray on some lube ( like wd 40)?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Mark

[danpletch]

I have the same issue on my '98 with about 135,000 miles. I don't think spraying WD-40 on the clutch surface would be good, but where would you put it? The sound is almost like metal sliding on metal, a schrill high pitch squealing that just goes thru you. It kind of screams out 'DO SOMETHING NOW, OR YOU'LL BE SORRY LATER', but a soon as you turn the A/C on, it goes away, and no problems.

Can anybody shed some light on this topic?

[kidfam]

Any updates on this problem and resolutions?

I have a 98 and the rattling kind of noise like clicking/pinging seems to comes from the compressor/clutch as the sound only happens when the AC is on. The AC works fine and I hate to pay to have it fixed.

Sincerely,
Larry

[TheWho243]

I have a 1995 Silhouette that made the same noise and i had to replace the AC compressor (Twice!) I suggest you go with one from Napa (Manufacturer is Four Seasons) i went with one from Auto Zone and one from Advance Auto Parts and both of those the bearing went bad. That is what happened to the factory one. I replaced the compressor myself in about 1.5 hours but you may not be as mechanicly inclined as i am. The cheap way around this is to buy a belt that fits the van minus the AC compressor but alas, you won't have AC. Your choice. Not a cheap fix. $225. for the Compressor and $210. for the recover/evacuate/recharge. Dye, pag oil, and freon was not included in the $210. Hope this helps.

[SJProwler]

Actually, if the A/C is working fine and you only hear the noise when the compressor is NOT engaged, it is a simple inexpensive repair. Go to Auto-Zone and "borrow" their Clutch Removal Tool and back off the clutch about .015 of an inch, just enough to eliminate the screech. All that has happened is the release springs for the clutch have weakened and the clutch is dragging slightly. It is a well documented issue with the GM 5 cylinder variable displacement compressor clutch but has also happened on the HR-6/DA-6 compressors.