My 2005 Pontiac vibe with 130k miles has started a cycling groan, moan, etc, while the ac or defrost is on. Started a couple of days ago, during rain, and been wet every since fwiw.
I figured it may be the ac compressor, but I went ahead and changed out the serpentine belt as it was pretty old. That did not help, at least for the first 30 minutes of driving.
The air conditioner and defrost still work fine. I have driven the car about half an hour after changing the belt. I was going to record the sound, but it is being sneaky now and stopped.
The ac looks original, so I am guessing it is on its way out?
I will update if the moan does not come back.
Any thoughts on what else it could be?
The AC compressor imposes a heavy load on the belt system. Check bearings in all pulleys and belt-driven accessories for wear.
I have been a bit busy and haven't had time to pull the belt off again, and test the pulley bearing.
I did a little looking and if it is that bearing, it looks like it is replaceable without evacuating the system.
Looks like I could carefully take off the clutch and pulley with bearing, and replace. Not the easiest job, but would save a lot of money and time.
If it is the bearing, anything wrong with my idea of replacing it?
Should be OK if the bearing is replaceable. I'm not familiar with the compressor on that car.
started a cycling groan, moan, etc, while the ac or defrost is on
Blend door maybe? Failing one can groan and resonate through outlets.
Pretty sure it is the pulley bearing on the A/C compressor. I hope to test it in the next few days. Thanks!
Makes sense, defrost uses ac so hopefully it will be that 'straightforward'.