Problem with the AU

S3SR · 06-02-2007, 01:46 PM

this only happens with the aircon on

lately if i put the AC on, whenever i stick the clutch in it feels like its grinding/rubbing on something, start driving then brake to a stand still and the revs stay on 2k. turn the AC off and it falls down to 1k (idle)
with AC on and starting from stand still it makes a fairly loud metal on metal rubbing sound.

btw car is 5sp SR, serviced recently, aircon get cold quickly

any ideas??

james22 · 06-02-2007, 02:03 PM

its not the a/c clutch is it? the bearings on my EA went, and it made the sound you are reffering to.

S3SR · 06-02-2007, 02:14 PM

the ac has a clutch???

james22 · 06-02-2007, 02:50 PM

yeah its called the A/C Clutch. Because when the car is running, the pulley is always turning, but your AC doesnt run 24/7.
So there is a clutch that hooks up, so that the AC can spin ON and OFF... If the bearing in the clutch are worn, it will make a heavy metalic grating noise & because the pulley is seizing, it can make the engine work far harder to turn the pulley. Had this happen a couple of time on the EA, but never with a serpentine drive belt.

EvilChief · 06-02-2007, 05:50 PM

have a listen under the bonnet on where the sound is coming from .. if it comes from front passanger side, it would point towards the AC clutch

if bearing is seizing, the engine would idle up more to keep it alive.

S3SR · 06-02-2007, 07:35 PM

james thanks for clearing that up i just learnt another thing today

why does it make the actual clutch feel like its grinding as well? i was told it could be a stretched clutch cable?? i dont no

theres like a squeel coming from the front passenger side...so AC clutch??

is this bearing expensive and hard to replace?

thanks

james22 · 07-02-2007, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FALCONSR

james thanks for clearing that up i just learnt another thing today

why does it make the actual clutch feel like its grinding as well? i was told it could be a stretched clutch cable?? i dont no

I'm not sure on that one man, I can't really see how they can be related...
If your clutch cable was stretching, you would probably notice that it's a bit harder to get into gear, especially reverse?? Because your clutch wouldn't be hooking up 100%

Quote:

Originally Posted by FALCONSR

theres like a squeel coming from the front passenger side...so AC clutch??

Have a good listen in front of the pulley. If you use a screwdriver or stethoscope and place the tip of the screwdriver just behind the pulley and your ear against the handle, it should make it easier to hear.
If you hear your noise, its a safe bet the bearings are wearing & the pulley is starting to seize.

And as Evil Chief said, if the pulley starts to seize, your car will idle up, because of the extra load on the motor while running.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FALCONSR

is this bearing expensive and hard to replace?

Never had to replace one on an AU, but with the EA it cost SFA....
Best of Luck..

James