Air conditioning pump

[zolciakjr]

I am getting a loud noise when I reach 20mph or more sounds like a jet taking off (hard to explain the noise) when I turn to the right the noise subsides till I straighten out again. I had the cv axle joint (I believe thats what its called)going into the tranny replaced, the spline and everything inside looked brand new as I thought thats what was causing the noise. Took it to the dealer and he said it was the air conditioning pump. I'm looking for a second opionion before replacing the pump. I tried to bypass the pump with a shorter serpentine belt but that did not work the belt rides on top of itself. Help!!! I cant take the noise much longer. The air conditioning does not work if thats any help. If it is the pump is it an easy fix for the diy guy. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8 series II

Thanks
mike

[JonJon68]

Does the noise sound like a jet or a small propeller airplane? Giving the info that the noise lets up as you make turns leads me to believe it could be a wheel bearing going bad. Your A/C not working could be a separate problem you have.

[zolciakjr]

It does sound like a prop plane and the noise gets louder the faster I go. Its not making any grinding sounds but at 65mph I have to turn the radio up all or I can not here it.

Thanks
Mike

[JonJon68]

I just replaced my drivers side front wheel hub bearing/speed sensor a few months ago. It sounds like you definitely have a hub going bad. I didn't throw a ABS light and there was no play "yet" with my wheel when I jacked it up to check. I was able to pinpoint which wheel it was just by listening closely, especially when I turned my steering wheel when driving. Again, the hub speed sensor is one unit and has to be replaced as such.

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

I agree with Paul. Sounds like a hub/wheel bearing issue which is common. How did the dealer determine it was an A/C issue?

And you cannot bypass the A/C compressor (you called it a pump) unless you use a pulley bypass kit after the compressor is removed. The design of the SII 3800 engine does not permit running a shorter belt and all that will do is cause other problems with the serpentine belt drive system.