Auto Mechanic insight...
 

1995 Mazda 626 V-6 daily driver.
AC Compressor pulley/bearing is making the familiar screeching sound. Its a serpentine belt, and only makes the noise when the AC is turned on, and when the engine has not warmed up. Does the whole unit need to be replaced? What are my options? I priced a new compressor at Napa, and with everything, its around $550, parts only. That's steep for this car. Thanks in advance.

Re: Auto Mechanic insight...
 

Just had the compressor replaced on the wife's 02 Jeep yesterday. $600 something just for the compressor. I almost told her to drive with the windows down. :D :D

See if you can find a rebuilt one.

Re: Auto Mechanic insight...
 

could always take a chance on used....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazda...spagenameZWDVW

Re: Auto Mechanic insight...
 

Whoops just noticed you have V6. that ebay one is 4 banger.

Re: Auto Mechanic insight...
 

just replace the pulley and the clutch i will check with my wholesale parts people tommorow on the assembly

Re: Auto Mechanic insight...
 

Brian - I think you want the auto mechanics website not OSO... :) :) :)

Re: Auto Mechanic insight...
 

I dont think it's a compressor problem. If the clutch brg is bad it will make noise when the compressor is off, not on. If it is squeling with the compressor on it is more likely the belt tensioner or idler going bad, the excess strain from the AC compressor makes it make noise. See if you can use a stethoscope or long screwdriver to sample each of the rotating pullies on the frt of the engine, bet it's not the compressor.

Re: Auto Mechanic insight...
 

I will also agree, it may also just be a bad or loose belt???? :rolleyes:

Re: Auto Mechanic insight...
 

Last Dodge truck had the same thing
When the A/c ran it would make the noise
then after awhile, a few months, it would make the noise anytime.
They too wanted over 700 for replacement.
I pulle the serp pulley off, pressed out the bearing, ordered a new bearing
put it all back together. :)
Cost, 39.50 for a different serp belt. reason, I wanted to still drive the truck while waiting on the bearing. New belt was put on to bypass the A/c
cost of bearing, $8.59
Worth looking into if you are mechanically inclined and have the tools

Re: Auto Mechanic insight...
 

Sell the hooptee to BobbyB and run like hell.lol