So I've notice some strange things happening when I turn my AC on. '04 D2 with 278K. AC system has never been serviced - air blows plenty cold.

• AC compressor will groan/whine - mostly at lower RPMs, sometimes at higher - sounds exactly like low PS fluid
• The noise starts the moment I turn the AC on - stops immediately after I turn AC off
• No noise when using AC "ECONOMY" mode
• Power steering will cut out temporarily at idle/low RPM, comes back as soon as throttle is applied - only seems to happen when AC is on
• Could the AC compressor be causing a PS issue?

The only thing I've done to the compressor was replace the bolt that keeps the pulley on. I noticed it missing when I rebuilt the engine.

PS fluid level is good. No leaks. Pump is fairly new 2-3 years.

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

Worn front bearing, at 278 I would say you got your money's worth.

 

Thanks. Extinct.

Makes sense, AC compressor is the only original part under the hood. Any easy way to verify?

 

Pull the belt off, see if you can wiggle the pulley. Could be the compressor shaft bearing or could be the pulley bearing on the clutch. If you are luck it is the pulley bearing and you can replace that without discharging the system.

BTW, congrats on the mileage. You might be the forum leader at this point. Check back with us when the transmission wears out seeing as how you are leading the fleet.

 

If it happens with the AC on them it's definitely in the compressor itself and not in the pulley. The pulley only spins when the compressor is off.

 

Thanks for elaborating. I’m thinking I’ll just get a new compressor to be sure. Anything else in the AC system I should replace while I’m at it?

I replaced the transmission and transfer case with used units from Goldwing a while ago.

 

Yep, only when AC is on.

 

Noticed a bunch of rusty looking fine dust all around the front of the compressor.