Got done with radiator and thermostat R&R this weekend. After getting everything buttoned back up and working good on my 95 Aurora I heard a rattling type noise that seemed to come from the area of the Power steering pump or A/C compressor when I turned on the air conditioner. Sounds like marbles in the can. When I turn the A/C off the noise goes away. I wonder if I need a recharge and oil in the system. Anyone else experience the same type of problem? Any recommendations?

That noise you mention might be caused by the compressor or
the clutch going bad.

_____________

GM!!! SAVE OLDS!!!

Yea, could be compressor but I'm hoping it's not. What clutch? Car is an automatic and there is no fan clutch.

I think he is talking about the A/C clutch.

Thx for the clarification. I wonder if the a/c clutch can be replaced separately from the entire unit. The noise being made almost sounds like bearings. I wonder if the a/c clutch is engaged if that could be the problem.

A/C compressors are disposable now, at least Delphi thinks so. You can have the clutch and shaft re-sealed(it's a kit)but don't waste your money. After they tear into it, it won't last another 6 months. Confirm that it's bad, and get estimates from "A/C only" repair shops now before the weather warms up. They're starved for work this time of year and might cut you a deal on new comp, orifice tube(required)and recharge. This is around $600 at the dealer. BTW, be sure whoever does the work is clear on EXACTLY how much oil to put in. It's common for them to be over-filled because the oil is much cheaper than R-134, and this makes the comps grenade.

They're starved for work this time of year and might cut you a deal on new comp, orifice tube(required)and recharge. This is around $600 at the dealer.


Damn Indy, I want your dealership to move up here to Iowa. Mine shelled out shortly after I bought my 95 and they wanted over $2000 to do the job. I hit their roof so hard I left a splatter. I felt like I got quite a deal after getting everything done for $1200 at what turned out to be my new regular mechanic. That mechanic LIKES me now, oh yes. He was grumbling about giving me such a low estimate after it took him many hours to do that job though. His shop CD of repair manuals wasn't even close on how to do it- I think they had a series II 3800 like the Riviera as being in the Aurora.

I guess it could all be explained away that this happened in July just as it hit around 100 for a few days. Supply and demand... <sigh>

A/C compressors are disposable now, at least Delphi thinks so. You can have the clutch and shaft re-sealed(it's a kit)but don't waste your money. After they tear into it, it won't last another 6 months. Confirm that it's bad, and get estimates from "A/C only" repair shops now before the weather warms up. They're starved for work this time of year and might cut you a deal on new comp, orifice tube(required)and recharge. This is around $600 at the dealer. BTW, be sure whoever does the work is clear on EXACTLY how much oil to put in. It's common for them to be over-filled because the oil is much cheaper than R-134, and this makes the comps grenade.

Thanks for the info. Looks like I need to make an appt with a A/C shop.

You're right, that dollar figure is too low. Mine was done under warranty so the actual charges do not appear on my receipt so I'm going by memory. Just the comp was $5__ something and the total was around $850. Sorry 'bout that.

I think he is talking about the A/C clutch.
i bought a used 95 aurora with a bad a/c clutch .i dont want to put a lot of money in it . can i do away with the a/c all together if so can any 1 tell me what size serpentine belt i would need.? please help me !!!!

Hmmm, I thought those other posts looked familiar from back in January... You might consider a new thread next time.

It strikes me as a really bad idea just from the point of view that the a/c helps take moisture out of your defroster air so the windows don't fog up when you have the system on defrost. You'll also make the auto temp. control system mighty angry since it won't cool worth a #$%&, so it'll have to be in manual most of the time.

I also don't know where the serpentine belt goes near the compressor. Even if it's physically possible to do away with that pully, methinks it'll make the pulleys to either side slip and squeal something fierce . You'll notice that everything is arranged so that there is something like 180-270 degrees of contact give or take on every pully. Take one out, and the two on either side are going to have a lot less than that. You MIGHT get away with it depending on what's on either side. If there is simply a blank pulley to make a turn and say, the tensioner for example, you're probably in better shape than the crankshaft pulley or the power steering, or the alternator... You get the picture.

Barring all that, if you want to try, I'd suggest figuring it out yourself by running a piece of nylon string through everything. Make sure you get it in the same groove on every pulley, and make sure it's not going to stretch on you as you pull i tight (I think cotton string likely would, hence the nylon). Take your piece of string down to a Napa. They seem to be way more knowledgable and helpful than most parts stores. See if they can cross reference a belt of the right length and # of grooves.

If the compressor makes noise only when in defrost or A/C. Unplug it.

Sheesh, that would be... simple. I dunno why I thought he meant remove it.

i bought a used 95 aurora with a bad a/c clutch .i dont want to put a lot of money in it . can i do away with the a/c all together if so can any 1 tell me what size serpentine belt i would need.? please help me !!!!

LOL, if you dont wana put much money into it , then you better sell it now, cuz you bought the WRONG CAR!

Got done with radiator and thermostat R&R this weekend. After getting everything buttoned back up and working good on my 95 Aurora I heard a rattling type noise that seemed to come from the area of the Power steering pump or A/C compressor when I turned on the air conditioner. Sounds like marbles in the can. When I turn the A/C off the noise goes away. I wonder if I need a recharge and oil in the system. Anyone else experience the same type of problem? Any recommendations?


NOT SO FAST!! if you just replaced the radiator, look at the top hose & make sure it`s not rubbing the a/c cooling fan by the radiator. you may not have put the top rad. hose back in that little strap that holds it up under the top radiator cover plate. this is what i forgot to do after replacing my radiator.so that noise might be that conduit cover on your radiator hose hitting one of you cooling fans(the one for the a/c).it`s worth a look, so check it & i HOPE this is the case.
Steve~