A/C noise-61 Fleetwood 60sp

[Jeff]

When I engage the compressor the car lets out a low groan thats present even when the car is moving. There doesnt seem to be any corresponding lack of power or sluggishness to the throttle though it does knock on hard acceleration. Time to replace the compressor? What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Jeff

[denise 20352]

  Does the air conditioner still work?  Is this a noise that it suddenly started making?  Is it loud and annoying?

  As a rule, I dont remove a compressor unless it has failed, because it involves opening the system, replacing the drier, evacuation, adding new oil and refrigerant, etc.  Its a major hassle just to get rid of a noise.

-denise

[George]

 Densie is right. Before you do anything drastic, or expensive. Check the drive belts. Even the generator belt can make a noise when you engage. Check the oil level in the compressor.

[jeff]

Yes, the A/C works, but I didnt think about checking the oil. Thatll be next. Belt noise, hmmmm? Ill check that too, but the noise is sooo much like the sound the water pump made before it gave out, that I figured the noise was internal to the pump. Thanks for the tips.

Jeff