Air Conditioning Unit Going Bad Help! Options

[Michelle95celica]

Ok, for the last week there has been a metal-scraping like noise (that has been getting louder) coming from under my hood. I took it to a local parts store to get the alternator tested since whenever I push on the brake at night, the headlights dim for a second. Alternator was bad..OK. I got a new alternator, and got it on. Headlights don't dim anymore BUT the noise is still there (although it's a little quieter now). I have narrowed down the noise to the pulley area of the Air Conditioner unit/clutch assembly next to the exhaust manifold (I have a 2.2 5SFE also...), the pulley seems to be a little loose and is making the grinding metallic sound. I am thinking the bearings in the a/c unit are going out, has this happened to anyone here and is it a relatively easy fix to get it out and a new one in??

So far, I have called all of my local parts stores, and have came up with this info:

There is a Type 1, Type 2, and a Type 3 air conditioner unit w/cluth or w/o clutch assembly, and the prices range from (remanufatured) about $288 (w/o clutch) to over $750 (new, w/ clutch). Type 1 is normally cheaper, and type 3 is by far the highest, whether or not it is reman. or new.

My question is, how in the world do I find out whether my Celica has a Type 1, 2, or 3 air conditioning unit? There is a badge on it with some letters, the refrigerant type, and that it is a Denso part. It doesn't say what type it is.

Does anyone here have any leads as to how I can find out the type? I know that I need to replace the condenser and tube as well, that's a given. Otherwise they will dirty up my new unit, and will shorten its life, LOL.

So, anyone who can, please Help!! Thanks!!

This post has been edited by Michelle95celica: Jun 23, 2007 - 1:47 PM

[phil_vr]

Ok, for the last week there has been a metal-scraping like noise (that has been getting louder) coming from under my hood. I took it to a local parts store to get the alternator tested since whenever I push on the brake at night, the headlights dim for a second. Alternator was bad..OK. I got a new alternator, and got it on. Headlights don't dim anymore BUT the noise is still there (although it's a little quieter now). I have narrowed down the noise to the pulley area of the Air Conditioner unit/clutch assembly next to the exhaust manifold (I have a 2.2 5SFE also...), the pulley seems to be a little loose and is making the grinding metallic sound. I am thinking the bearings in the a/c unit are going out, has this happened to anyone here and is it a relatively easy fix to get it out and a new one in??

So far, I have called all of my local parts stores, and have came up with this info:

There is a Type 1, Type 2, and a Type 3 air conditioner unit w/cluth or w/o clutch assembly, and the prices range from (remanufatured) about $288 (w/o clutch) to over $750 (new, w/ clutch). Type 1 is normally cheaper, and type 3 is by far the highest, whether or not it is reman. or new.

My question is, how in the world do I find out whether my Celica has a Type 1, 2, or 3 air conditioning unit? There is a badge on it with some letters, the refrigerant type, and that it is a Denso part. It doesn't say what type it is.

Does anyone here have any leads as to how I can find out the type? I know that I need to replace the condenser and tube as well, that's a given. Otherwise they will dirty up my new unit, and will shorten its life, LOL.

So, anyone who can, please Help!! Thanks!!

Hey Michelle..

The pulley and bearings can be replaced without taking apart the whole compressor. And since these
are usually regular industry bearings you can get away with it for about 20-25$. The only twist is to find
someone that is able to pull those out for you. But even so, it shouldnt cost you much, unless you fell into
someone that would love to rip you off and talk you out of it (obviously trying to sell you a new compressor
system plus his installing)..

It sounds like a bearing problem to me, and for the cost of trying it out first, comparing a 25$ to a 300$ (for
a used compressor) it seems you have nothing to lose.
And there is no need to change condenser or tubes.. they will still remain on the compressor if you take the
road for changing the bearings. In any other case, if you go after a compressor change, the installer will just
evacuate your freon, attach the new unit, vacuum the whole system to check for leaks, and charge it again.
so dont have extra worries on it..

Let me know how it goes..

This post has been edited by phil_vr: Jul 1, 2007 - 9:14 AM