Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: A/C noise, camry v6, clutch assembly

Question
Hi, Thanks for your time and advice!
My 93 Camry V6 compressor is making a rat-a-tat-tat noise. It can be heard louder at random times - at start up or when it's hot. It's loudest at just a little more RPM's than idle. It has been diagnosed by a Toyota dealer as a bad compressor. Another place said comp. was fine. It cools great and MAKES THE SAME NOISE WHEN THE AC IS NOT ON. I think it's the compressor pulley bearing. When I put my ear to a hose to the compressor housing I definitely hear this whole area to be the source of the noise.
   They tell me that I have to buy the whole pulley ($230! Ouch!) I want to know if I can just replace the bearing. Does my diagnosis sound right to you? Thank you very much! Rick  

Answer
Your ON the right track. If you still hear the NOISE with the A/C OFF, This would indicate either a bad pulley (HUB) bearing or it could be the serpentine belt that is making the noise. Try spraying the belt with some BELT DRESSING and see if the noise changes in pitch. If it DOES, Replace the belt.

If you still have the noise, the bearing is your most likely suspect.

My Toyota expertise is a little weak, But I do believe you can change the HUB assembly of which contains the bearing. I doubt that you can buy the bearing seperatley.

You will need a special tool to remove the clutch assembly and a PULLER to remove the HUB that contains the bearing.

Do some research and try and get a hold of a service manual for your EXACT year and make of vehicle and read the contents to see the correct repair procedure.


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