Ok so I am trying to figure out where a new noise is coming from. I think it is either the water pump or the AC compressor. But it starts as soon as you fire the engine so I know its tied to the engine some way. Not sure where. But after a minute or two it will die down and is barely noticable. I have a feeling it's my AC Compressor cause it didn't start till the really hot days here last week and I actually used the AC. But on the other hand I checked the antifreeze level the other day and I was about a half gallon low. No clue where it went. All I know is that my over flow bottle was almost full. Like all the antifreeze got pushed out for some reason. So that makes me wonder if the water pump isn't going out?? Any Ideas on which it could be?? I'll describe the sound the best that I can. Maybe I can get a clip not sure how well it would turn out.

It sounds like a clutch material on metal or when your brakes are over adjusted and you hear the pads grind on the rotors. Is the easiest way to describe it. So I'm thinking its a bearing. But on what is the problem. It only does it on startup. It also follows RPM's So it has to be connected to the motor some way. Is there anything else that would make a grinding sound with the motor starting?

 

Grab yourself a long screwdriver, stick the handle up to your ear, and put the other end on various (NON moving) spots, and see where the noise gets loudest. That should help you pinpoint where it is coming from.

Replace your radiator cap. Seems like it is letting coolant out, but, not letting the radiator suck it back in?

 

lol ok Ill grab a screw driver and try it out. I love how you specified "NON" moving parts thats hillarious. I know there are idiots out there. So it makes me laugh everytime someone has to clarify the obvious. lol When I get home from work I'm gonna try the screwdriver. Do ya think taking the belt off and moving them by hand would have similar affects??

 

If it is bearings, and they are REALLY bad, you might be able to tell that way..... but, if they were that bad, they should sound HORRENDOUS at speed...... Can give it a shot anyway, nothing to lose by trying it.

 

Yup with ya there ya never know till ya try right. lol

 

Well didn't have to get out the good ol' trust extension to do some sound testing. I let the truck run when I got home cranked the AC up on max opened the hood and wad ya know the AC compressor is barely spinin. So found the noise. Now to keep al gore from finding out how I'm gonna fix it. Anyone know how much an AC compressor runs these days??

 

Dont remove all hope in that compresser cuz im sure there not cheep. If im not mistaken they have lubricant for r-34 refrigerant. Try that.

 

Was the engine struggling to turn it? Or did it just cycle on and off a lot? (more off than on?) Rude noises when the clutch was engaged?

 

Well Cheat I tried that first when it was just starting to squeel. Thinking it was the bearings but it sounded like a clutch. But figured hey add some lube maybe it will quiet it down. But that was a negative.

And the engine isn't strugling to turn it at all. It actually acts like the clutch is engaged all the time but its slipping so bad that the compressor turns. It literaly turns like 1 turn to the belts 5. Just like in a standard when the clutch has gone out. You can rev the engine to redline and go 5mph. SOOOOOOO unless you can only change the clutch I think I have to get a new compressor. Unless there are other ideas to try first??

 

Autozone ac compresser:
Cheep: $192
High:$329