a/c compressor noise

[YORKY]

Noticed a moaning noise recently coming from the a/c compressor .IT's still there whether the clutch is engaged or not, and system cools fine.Does'nt sound like a bearing noise to me, but maybe someone has had the same thing.
Tony

 

[Matt Bachand]

Take the belt off and see if there is any physical slop of play when pulling the pulley in and out.

 

[mitchedo]

If it's there when the clutch is engaged or not, I'd look elsewhere. ...idler pulley bearing, alternator, vacuum pump, water pump. ...after you do Matt's suggestion, of course. If the pulley is rubbing on something, that could cause the AC noise independent of clutch engagement.

 

[Matt Bachand]

FWIW My powersteering pump just started moaning and groanign and I have 1/4 " of slop play on my powersteering pulley...

Need new one.

Perhaps you are hearing yours too, as it would be under your A/C (I don't have a/c), .. You also have a 97 as I do.