A/C Bearing Noise
07-26-2014, 08:28 AM
#1
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Car: 1989 Formula Firebird
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 5-speed
Axle/Gears: 3:45
A/C Bearing Noise
I have a 1989 formula 5.0 TPI and right after I charged the AC started to hear a bearing noise. My mechanic thinks its the water pump but the previous owner had that replaced a few months ago and its not leaking or overheating. If it is the bearings going in the AC is it safe to drive the car like that until I get it fixed? Thanks
07-26-2014, 08:34 AM
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Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: A/C Bearing Noise
Get a piece of heater hose and STICK IT IN YOUR EAR!!! (I just LOVE telling people to do that!!!!! 
) and probe around with the other end to find the source of the noise.
Most likely sources are the WP ("replaced" or not), tensioner, and idler.
Not sure about all this "had replaced" and "mechanic" and all that stuff; foreign language to me, especially when talking about an antique car like ours. What does that mean?
) and probe around with the other end to find the source of the noise.Most likely sources are the WP ("replaced" or not), tensioner, and idler.
Not sure about all this "had replaced" and "mechanic" and all that stuff; foreign language to me, especially when talking about an antique car like ours. What does that mean?
07-26-2014, 06:54 PM
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Car: 91 Firebird/88 Firebird/91 Formula
Engine: V6 3.1/V8 5.0/V8 5.0
Transmission: 4L60/700R4/4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.23/2.73/2.73
Re: A/C Bearing Noise
My Formula wasn't overheating or leaking either. I thought I had been hearing my AC clutch rattling. Yesterday evening while on a short local trip steam started billowing out from under the hood. Lost all my coolant. After towing it back home I noticed the water pump weep hole wasn't blocked anymore. I know what I'll be doing this weekend. Take sofakingdom's advice or take off your belt and spin the various pulleys. That's what I should have done.
08-05-2014, 07:17 PM
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Car: 1989 Formula Firebird
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 5-speed
Axle/Gears: 3:45
Re: A/C Bearing Noise
It turned out it was the waterpump got it fixed before any major problems happened. Thanks!
08-16-2014, 05:31 PM
#5
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Re: A/C Bearing Noise
I've an 1986 IROC that had a bearing noise when I first bought it a year ago. I'm a auto technician by trade of 20 years, and I could've sworn the noise was coming from the alternator.
Turns out I had a dual noise problem that I decided to fix last week! Whoever replaced the alternator last did not bother to put a nut on, that bolts the alternator bracket to the intake/throttle body. So that was rattling like mad, but sounded like a bearing.
After correcting that situation, removing one belt at a time finally revealed the noisy bearing was in the water pump. With no belts it was quiet. As soon as I started putting pressure on the AC belt the noise would re-appear.
I would really like to convert the whole messy 3 belt setup with the single serpentine belt although I think this would require a reverse flow water pump. Also, maybe, a new A/C compressor?
Turns out I had a dual noise problem that I decided to fix last week! Whoever replaced the alternator last did not bother to put a nut on, that bolts the alternator bracket to the intake/throttle body. So that was rattling like mad, but sounded like a bearing.
After correcting that situation, removing one belt at a time finally revealed the noisy bearing was in the water pump. With no belts it was quiet. As soon as I started putting pressure on the AC belt the noise would re-appear.
I would really like to convert the whole messy 3 belt setup with the single serpentine belt although I think this would require a reverse flow water pump. Also, maybe, a new A/C compressor?
Last edited by UltRoadWarrior9; 08-16-2014 at 05:39 PM.
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