Help! Do I need a Compressor (1998 4Runner)?
I have been hearing noise like something is loose when I turn on the air or heater. My car is a 1998 4Runner - 144k miles
I went to Pep Boys and they knew right away it is the compressor. They ordered one and I am supposed to get it done later this week. They said when they opened the hood the compressor was shaking.
BUT -- the guy at Pep Boys kept saying the compressor is only for the Air conditioner. If that was the fact, why am I hearing the same noise if I have the HEATER on???
By the way--- the heater AND air work perfectly. They both are very strong. I just cant understand this noise.
I am afraid of getting the compressor and the noise continuing. But, I know if I go back to Pep Boys and they find it IS something else, they'll say "You need a compressor still" because it's been ordered.
Thoughts?!
Update:A mechanic at pep boys DID look at the car (just by opening the hood) and was able to tell it was the compressor.
Comments
Get a personal referral from someone you know and trust to an independent auto repair shop in your neighborhood.
Go talk to him and let him diagnose the problem.
Never rely on any of the franchise or chain type automotive repair shops no matter whose name is on the building.
Independent shops depend almost exclusively on word of mouth advertising.
This means that they take care when they repair a car since every car they repair is a rolling advertisement for their shop.
The car owner will not hesitate to recommend a good independent mechanic and that's the best recommendation you can get.
Pep Boys (NYSE: PBY) has a serious responsibility to maximize earnings for its stock holders. Replacing a compressor provides a nice profit margin, whether or not it's a required repair. Pete is dead on as always - go to a local shop where they can better explain the actual problem. The compressor can be used by the defrost heater function to help dehumidify the air blowing against the cold windshield and prevent fogging, and certainly may need replacement to avoid damage to the rest of the a/c system in a specific failure mode which may or may not happen. Another problem might be that the compressor clutch bearings are wearing out, in which case a failure won't damage the other refrigeration components but may cause your belt to shred and may strand you in the middle of nowhere. If your air & heat work fine and the noise is in the dashboard, I'd guess your problem is blower motor starting to go bad, but you'd hear it on "vent" mode too.
You probably do, compressors start making noise before they actually stop working. If the noise was A/C clutch related It will be noisy all the time
Find your friendly neighborhood mechanic and ask him to take a look. He will mist likely be able to tell you what is wrong right away. The guys behind the counter at the parts store are just trying to sell you merchandise.