What's this noise?

[NY guy]

Hey guys, i just registered a new Alero that was my sister in laws. She ran it pretty hard and its making an intermittent noise from one of the pulleys. I'm not sure if its the alternator bearing or the AC. The AC also does not blow cold.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwJAauuQ2WI

Anyone else had any issues with this? I already replaced the blower motor resistor because the fan wasn't working either. It looks to me as if the compressor clutch is engaged all the time too. Thanks for any input.

[cherrington17]

probably just needs an AC recharge... for the cold part.

i can't see the vid (i'm at work, and youtube is blocked) so maybe someone else can pitch in.

[NY guy]

AC is charged. Tired that last night.

[Chris2000]

a video with the hood open would be more useful.

[Redog]

Use a tripod and open the hood and we can help you better.

Plus if you think it's a pulley, take the video from the pass side of the car.

How many miles? You could need a new tensioner. they are only around $35 to $50

[cavaliers60]

that's sounds terrible! You should do some poking around while it's running... Open the hood and look around and see if you can determine where it's coming from.... Almost sounds like something is either rubbing or you might actually have a pulley that is shot...

[dragon8807]

it sounds like the a/c compressor clutch isn't fully disengaging. which is causing it to drag and make that horrible sound.

[NY guy]

The car 127K on it. The compressor clutch is now my main focus; don't think its the alt bearing. This morning it didn't make the horrible sound as much but it does come and go at random, with or without the blower or AC on. Took a more in depth vid but doesn't really help since its not making the same sound. However the motor still could sound healthier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ5WRNkvG7E

Anyone ever replace their compressor? I've never had to and don't know if I need to have a shop do it because of the r134 or if can I do myself. I imagine if the clutch is bad the whole unit is probably damaged at this point.

[NY guy]

I also forgot to mention that yesterday is the first day I drove the car and it runs a little hot. Normal for these cars or not?

[lord2heart]

you can buy watter wetter if fix the heat issue if it gets to hot. they run about 10 bucks

just a thought but you can try and take the serpt off and turn the tensioner and alternator by hand and see if you feel any griding going on.

[clutch1]

Originally Posted by lord2heart

just a thought but you can try and take the serpt off and turn the tensioner and alternator by hand and see if you feel any griding going on.

Do this. Spin each pulley by hand and wiggle them for play. It'll become apparent, no doubt.

GM compressors do have a tendency to drag, though.. that's a pretty solid option.

As for AC not blowing cold.. oh man lots of reasons. You're sure it's fully charged.. like you taken it in and they filled it to the exact amount and leak tested it??
The radiator fans might not be kicking on (meaning the condenser won't work right). The AC clutch might not be engaging (easy to look and see). Orifice tube might be plugged up... A/C is something you don't want to mess with yourself for the sake of the environment.

However, if you MUST. Start by getting a manifold gauge set and connecting it up to the A/C lines. Should be around 70psi with it sitting. Then turn the car and A/C on... the low side should be between 25-40 psi (moves as the compressor kicks on and off), and the high should be around 150-200psi.

Also, once you shut the car off, the pressures should equalize again in a couple minutes max.

There's some places to start!

[alerogls001]

Originally Posted by Chris2000

a video with the hood open would be more useful.

True.

Hard to pinpoint from the vid but I can tell you that in my similar situation the crankshaft pulley was the last one I replaced and solved it...