A/C compressor pulley noisy or normal? (video)

e90yyc · 06-28-2019, 03:57 PM

300k kms. Original compressor.

I’m planning to replace the bearing but am really struggling to get the pulley off.

Since my car is xDrive, there is a refrigerant line smack in the middle of the compressor shaft, which makes getting a socket on there impossible. I’m sure the hub is somewhat seized to the shaft as well, but again: refrigerant line, plastic pulley, rubber dampers behind pulley... using a torch is out.

Given all that, if the consensus is that my bearing is fine, I’ll just leave it be.

Barrique_Red · 06-28-2019, 06:45 PM

In my opinion, if a bearing makes any noise when I spin it by hand, it needs, or is going to need, replacement. Our A/C unit makes a ton of noise when we operate the A/C, I am hoping to replace either the bearing or the compressor this summer. i'll be interested to see what others reply.

e90yyc · 06-29-2019, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrique_Red

In my opinion, if a bearing makes any noise when I spin it by hand, it needs, or is going to need, replacement. Our A/C unit makes a ton of noise when we operate the A/C, I am hoping to replace either the bearing or the compressor this summer. i'll be interested to see what others reply.

Agreed. Just wasn’t sure how much noise these compressors make when working correctly, but this does sound like a bearing.

Appreciate the input! Hoping for some other responses too.

nhhiep · 06-29-2019, 06:55 AM

Mine was making loud banging noise and I just paid a mechanic $100 to install the $15 shorter belt to bypass the ac compressor on my e93. Instead of $1000 to replace with a new compressor. Really stupid design that the compressor pulley can’t be replaced easily

e90yyc · 06-29-2019, 10:22 AM

I already have the shorter belt which I had on hand in case my compressor is out of commission when I do the repair.

I’d like to determine whether this is worth replacing though, rather than bypass it.

Barrique_Red · 07-08-2019, 07:16 PM

Any chance you have a p/n for the shorter belt?

It seems that using a shorter belt, one could remove the A.C compressor and work on it, while still being able to drive the vehicle.

thanks!

e90yyc · 07-08-2019, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrique_Red

Any chance you have a p/n for the shorter belt?

It seems that using a shorter belt, one could remove the A.C compressor and work on it, while still being able to drive the vehicle.

thanks!

Best resource is here. I used this guide for P/N

You definitely could, but it looks like a c*nt of a job (I have xDrive), so I don’t plan on doing it anytime soon.

Let me know if you put yours on a bench though!

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1416501

nhhiep · 07-09-2019, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrique_Red

Any chance you have a p/n for the shorter belt?

It seems that using a shorter belt, one could remove the A.C compressor and work on it, while still being able to drive the vehicle.

thanks!

ACDelco 6K431 Or duralast 431K6. 435 version is too loose, I wouldn’t risk it getting suck inside the engine

06-28-2019, 03:57 PM	#1
e90yyc Art Collector 2425 Rep 3,448 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi (GM-delete 6MT) Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	A/C compressor pulley noisy or normal? (video) 300k kms. Original compressor. I’m planning to replace the bearing but am really struggling to get the pulley off. Since my car is xDrive, there is a refrigerant line smack in the middle of the compressor shaft, which makes getting a socket on there impossible. I’m sure the hub is somewhat seized to the shaft as well, but again: refrigerant line, plastic pulley, rubber dampers behind pulley... using a torch is out. Given all that, if the consensus is that my bearing is fine, I’ll just leave it be. __________________ When I'm dead, just throw me in the trash.
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06-28-2019, 06:45 PM	#2
Barrique_Red Private 12 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Colorado 1876 iTrader: (0)	In my opinion, if a bearing makes any noise when I spin it by hand, it needs, or is going to need, replacement. Our A/C unit makes a ton of noise when we operate the A/C, I am hoping to replace either the bearing or the compressor this summer. i'll be interested to see what others reply.
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06-29-2019, 06:55 AM	#4
nhhiep Captain 88 Rep 863 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Mine was making loud banging noise and I just paid a mechanic $100 to install the $15 shorter belt to bypass the ac compressor on my e93. Instead of $1000 to replace with a new compressor. Really stupid design that the compressor pulley can’t be replaced easily
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-29-2019, 10:22 AM	#5
e90yyc Art Collector 2425 Rep 3,448 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi (GM-delete 6MT) Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I already have the shorter belt which I had on hand in case my compressor is out of commission when I do the repair. I’d like to determine whether this is worth replacing though, rather than bypass it. __________________ When I'm dead, just throw me in the trash.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-08-2019, 07:16 PM	#6
Barrique_Red Private 12 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Colorado 1876 iTrader: (0)	Any chance you have a p/n for the shorter belt? It seems that using a shorter belt, one could remove the A.C compressor and work on it, while still being able to drive the vehicle. thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote