2009 Pathfinder A/C compressor failing?
Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2017 1:24 pm
I have a couple questions about the ac compressor on my pathfinder. Current mileage is about 135,000.
Several weeks ago we started hearing a knocking noise from the engine compartment. It was mainly audible when coming to a stop, stopped in gear, or idling in park. It was random. First thought is that it was the engine knocking. I checked the oil and it looked fine...no particles or anything out of the norm.
Meanwhile, trying to find time to get it to the dealer so they can narrow down the culprit of the noise, another noise arose. It is almost like a grinding sound, like worn out break shoes rubbing on the rotor, but not a squeal. This sound is DEFINETLY coming from the ac compressor. While looking at it this past weekend, I noticed the grinding sound, and knocking sound coincide with each other. When the ac is turned on, the grinding sound and knocking sound both subside, to an extent. Both sounds are still present, just not as loud/bad.....turn the ac off and they pick back up, and it sounds awful.
I decided to crank the truck without the belt to make sure its not the engine. I took off the belt, and started the truck.....ZERO noises. I turn it off, put the belt back on and the noise is immediately present after I start it back up.
OK....I have several questions.
1) Is it possible that the noise is caused by the clutch/pulley bearing? Or is it the compressor itself making the noise? If so, can I replace the pulley/clutch and it fix the problem?
2) If you think that is needs a new compressor, should I go with new or a remanufactured unit? The reman unit I'm looking at has good reviews and is $100 cheaper than the new unit. If it was a $50 difference, I'd go new, but 100 bucks is a good bit of $$$.
Several weeks ago we started hearing a knocking noise from the engine compartment. It was mainly audible when coming to a stop, stopped in gear, or idling in park. It was random. First thought is that it was the engine knocking. I checked the oil and it looked fine...no particles or anything out of the norm.
Meanwhile, trying to find time to get it to the dealer so they can narrow down the culprit of the noise, another noise arose. It is almost like a grinding sound, like worn out break shoes rubbing on the rotor, but not a squeal. This sound is DEFINETLY coming from the ac compressor. While looking at it this past weekend, I noticed the grinding sound, and knocking sound coincide with each other. When the ac is turned on, the grinding sound and knocking sound both subside, to an extent. Both sounds are still present, just not as loud/bad.....turn the ac off and they pick back up, and it sounds awful.
I decided to crank the truck without the belt to make sure its not the engine. I took off the belt, and started the truck.....ZERO noises. I turn it off, put the belt back on and the noise is immediately present after I start it back up.
OK....I have several questions.
1) Is it possible that the noise is caused by the clutch/pulley bearing? Or is it the compressor itself making the noise? If so, can I replace the pulley/clutch and it fix the problem?
2) If you think that is needs a new compressor, should I go with new or a remanufactured unit? The reman unit I'm looking at has good reviews and is $100 cheaper than the new unit. If it was a $50 difference, I'd go new, but 100 bucks is a good bit of $$$.