I have a 2004 Pacifica with 30K miles and when I turn on the A/C a loud "clunk" noise happens when the compressor kicks in. After that initial noise, A/C works great, no noises or anything but when I turn the car off a loud squeal comes from under the hood. This clunk/squeal doesn't happen unless I'm running the A/C. The severity of these noises varies. Somedays it's quite loud, other days doesn't seem so bad.

My husband says it the bearings in the compressor going out. Has anyone experienced this before and in your best opinions, do you believe the air compressor is going out? Shouldn't it last much longer than 30K?

Thanks in advance!

 

sounds like the clutch is going bad not the compressor

 

Thank you for replying. So, the A/C unit has a clutch and that is what you're referring to?

 

the clutch is on the front of the compressor

 

that clutch should not be going out at 30k. I have noticed weird things with my ac also, but after speaking with a chrysler engineer, some are just normal.

 

the squeal could be the belt tensioner, bad idler pulley.should not be squealing. compressor kicking in is going to make some noise. if the clutch goes, it would most likely seize up causing the pulley to stop and very bad for the belt

 

check little things first. how come only 30k on a 2004. the squeal when you turn off should be the problem, sounds belt related. Not saying it isn't the compressor, but when they go you know it.

 

It's actually a 2005, my typo - but still, I work from home so I rarely drive it. I will have the belt checked first. Thanks alot for the info!