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a/c compressor chatter

 
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mmaldin



Joined: 19 Oct 2001
Posts: 288
Location: Boulder, CO

PostPosted: Sat May 12, 2012 3:43 pm    Post subject: a/c compressor chatter Reply with quote

My A/C compressor makes a lot of chattering noise when it is on. The belt and pulley are new, so that is not the issue. The noise stops when I turn off the A/C. Is this an indication that the compressor is going to fail? The A/C still blows cold. Has anyone else experienced this loud chattering sound when the compressor operates?
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Michael
94 325i, 178K miles, original owner
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killerbeem



Joined: 01 Aug 2005
Posts: 496
Location: Detroit, MI

PostPosted: Mon May 14, 2012 3:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Are you sure it's your compressor?
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Currently looking for a good e30 to rebuild
1994 318i - Jeni (sold)
1991 325i - Lynn (Sold)
1984 325e - Rachel (Sold)
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Viscontini



Joined: 08 Apr 2003
Posts: 27
Location: tallahassee

PostPosted: Wed May 23, 2012 4:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a similar issues and somewhere I read about a common issue with the idler size or shaft length? or similar. I believe it was described in the TIS data.

Update, I found it in TIS and it is the AC idler the shaft being too long and play in it. Says to remove idler, hammer the shaft 5 mm deeper then grind the excess off the back. Specific to the M50 engine
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mmaldin



Joined: 19 Oct 2001
Posts: 288
Location: Boulder, CO

PostPosted: Fri May 25, 2012 4:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

After researching and discussing with techs, I decided to change the compressor. After 17 1/2 years and 178K miles it was the right course of action. I am keeping the car and the noise was either the clutch or the compressor. $280 for a new Denso compressor and receiver/dryer. $100 for a shop to evacuate the r134a before I started and then pull a vacuum and refill the r134a. All in all, a worthwhile investment in a car that has had very few repairs so far. It took about 2 hours from start to finish. It purrs now and blows ice cold. Very Happy
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Michael
94 325i, 178K miles, original owner
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walshja



Joined: 03 Apr 2001
Posts: 1139
Location: guilford, ct, usa

PostPosted: Sat May 26, 2012 3:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mike, I'm having similar problems.

I have a '94 with 228k miles, and my compressor, for the first time, started making noise. Sound like a bearing has gone bad. My system has been leaking for over 10 years, I put about a half can in every spring. But this year the pulley on the compressor is rattling. Guess I need to do what you did !! The prices you quoted are much better than what I would have expected.
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joe

1994 325iC, 195k miles
http://home.comcast.net/~walshja/index.html <--- check it out

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