My wife’s 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with 130k on the clock has a whining noise coming from the AC compressor. It sounds just like a power steering pump would sound like if it were low on fluid.
The pitch goes up and down with engine speed and it doesn’t matter if the AC is on or not but when the AC is on, it still blows ice cold. My question is, do I have to replace the entire unit or can I just replace the pulley assembly?
I believe it has a hydraulic clutch as opposed to a friction one.
Thanks.
whining noise coming from the AC compressor
Are you sure it's the AC compressor? It could potentially be any belt-driven accessory or pulley.
I believe it has a hydraulic clutch as opposed to a friction one.
There's no such thing as an automotive AC compressor with a hydraulic clutch. The compressor in your vehicle doesn't have a clutch. It runs continuously, managed by a computer-controlled and electrically-operated control valve.
@chucktobias I used a stethoscope to trace down where the noise was coming from. The belt, Water pump, alternator, and tensioner assembly have all been changed and the noise persists. I ran the car without the belt and the noise went away just to make sure.
Rotate your AC compressor pulley by hand and check for any noise or roughness. If it is the compressor better replace it before it seizes up internally. If that happens most of your AC system would need to be replaced due to the resulting contamination.