3 ALARMING Signs Your Car Needs a New AC Compressor

Hot air

If the air conditioner is blowing hot air, there is a good chance that your A/C compressor is low on refrigerant (the liquid inside the system that cools the air). Adding more refrigerant will get your air conditioning blowing cool air again, but if the compressor is broken, it will need to be repaired before you recharge the refrigerant.

Noises

Squealing – A squealing noise coming from the car’s air conditioning compressor is a sure sign you need to get your A/C checked out. Squealing noises are usually caused by a worn serpentine belt. When a belt gets worn or warped, it sits uneven on the pulley and causes large squeals. Replacing the belt usually solves the problem

Grinding – Grinding noises under the hood could be coming from problems with internal parts of the A/c compressor, usually worn out pistons or bearings. Grinding noises when you turn on the air conditioning are a tell-tale sign you will be replacing your compressor soon.

Knocking – All A/C compressors have a fan, and when that fan comes loose it can bang into other metal components causing a knocking noise. Your air conditioning may still work despite the knocking, but sooner or later the damage will require a replacement.

Leaking fluid

All air conditioner compressors contain refrigerant, which is a liquid that cools the surrounding air to bring down the temperature inside the vehicle. This chemical fluid is also known as Freon.

If you notice a greasy spot under your car coming from under the hood, it could be your A/C compressor leaking refrigerant.