I have an 87 camaro 305 tpi. ac was converted to 134R. just had it vaccumed and recharged and the air works great! however I have a VERY loud groaning noise at idle when the ac is running. it seems to be the power steering pump becuase it quits when you move the wheel. when the car is running down the road the noise is gone.. please help

 

Is this ONLY with the AC on? I wonder how many times this car has had the AC checked/recharged without adding any fresh oil. Every time the system is sucked empty, a small amount of oil is pulled out, and I have had to school a number of people on the importance of replacing that oil, because they thought it wouldn't matter. The sound you're hearing is the sound of either, failing bearings, or poorly lubricated bearings.

My suggestion would be to get yourself a stethoscope (I got mine from Harbor Freight Tools for $3.99, but most tool stores sell them) and pinpoint the groan by touching each of the components on the belt drive system in a stationary spot while the AC is on. You'll know when you've found it, promise. If it IS the AC, I'd recommend doing a proper chemical flush that will remove all traces of oil, then charge it fully with refrigerant AND oil.

 

thanks Cat. It is only with the AC on and I have no idea how many times it has been checked/recharged. I just got the car a month ago. My friend at the body shop sucked the system and added freon with thier machine. I will have it checked out and hopefully It is just an oil issue.

 

Being 25 years old, I'd expect that it's been emptied a LOT, as it needs to be sucked dry whenever it's checked, and a lot of shops give free checks when you're getting other service in order to sell you more refrigerant. Trouble is, like I said, they don't replace the oil that's lost all the time, and you can lose half an ounce per evacuation, in a system that only uses about 8-10 ounces of oil.

I don't have one for your 87, but it should be similar to the 89 here, so if you DO end up having to replace the compressor, you'll know how much oil to add to avoid frying the replacement.

 

great, thanks. I am hoping it is just oil. the weird thing is that if i turn the steering wheel the groaning stops. it's seems like the power steering pump at first look but it really doesn't make sense because it only makes noise with the AC on and only at idle. if i give it gas the noise also quits. I plan to have a mechanic take a look. It's not hot right now in michigan so the t-tops are good air!

 

T-tops are the best air conditioning! Unfortunately, though, they don't dry the air when they're closed and the windows are starting to fog up.

As for the noise stopping when you turn the wheel, you've got me as to why it would do that, but normally a P/S pump would be noisier when it's under load, especially if it's doing it because of low fluid as is usually the case.

I meant to post this earlier, but this is the stethoscope I mentioned in my first post:

http://www.sears.com/lisle-stethosco...1&blockType=G1

 

cool thanks. I was going to check my power steering fluid today when i get home. I looked for the reservoir yesterday and i can't even find it. I am pretty good mechanically but i have no clue where it is located.

thanks for the link

 

It's on the pump, most likely, if it's the same configuration as mine, it's gonna be under the alternator.

 

Yeah, it's the round black cap on the top of the pump. Turn counter-clockwise to remove

 

I've got the exact same symptoms...been living with it tho...time to break out the 'scope

 

Found it. pretty tough to get your hand between the belt. looked to be full cold. I plan to have the ac checked at my cousins service shop. i'm hoping it's just the AC oil.

thanks again

 

hey arvizu9618, I see in your bio you did a disc brake conversion. I 've got rear drums and have no idea what kind of shape they're in.(havent pulled the drums yet). is it a hard job to convert to disc? $$$$ ?

 

PM snt

 

update. the noise is not just with the AC on it also happpens when the defrost is used... does it make any more sense now?

 

Weird. Try switching the ignition to acc with the motor off and running the blower fan on high.

 

The "defogger", commonly misidentified as defrost, is primarily a tool for removing condensation from the inside of the windshield in humid conditions, such as warm rain, and included in this setting on cars with AC is an AC request, as the air conditioning dries the air, making the defogger do its job faster. This is still in line with my original prediction.

Hope this clears that up for some people.

Did you pick up a cheap stethoscope yet? I swear that $4 will make tracking down this and future engine noises a cakewalk.

 

did not get stethoscope.. maybe today. and i will try the fan on acc also. but I bet cats original prediction is correct.
thanks guys