My compressor is making noise while the engine is idle

 

And the car would be what year and model?

 

Loose belt?
Alain 1970 platinum 442 4spd factory A/C

 

Hey welcome! As you can see, we want to help you out but it's kind of hard without some details about the car. Pictures help, too!

 

We should not need to know what year or model this is. When this noise is present spray a little penetrating oil on the belt pulleys, if the noise stops it is a glazed belt causing the noise, also make sure the belt is adjusted correctly. IF this noise does not change you need to remove the belt and spin the compressor pulley and then spin the clutch to pulley and see if you feel any roughness to these area's,, its either the clutch hub pulley bearing or the compressor it self... good luck & welcome to the club...

 

Excellent troubleshooting. Does anyone remember the name of the member who rebuilds the compressors.

 

You don’t want to put oil or lubricant on a belt!! Belt dressing is like putting a band aid on a gunshot wound.

Get a wire brush with stiff bristles. With the engine idling, VERY CAREFULLY put the brush on the belt. Make sure to position the brush so it pulls the brush out of your hand, instead of throwing it at you. Did I mention be careful?? The idea is to remove some of the glazing from the belt. Once that is done, very carefully do the same thing to the pulleys. The pulleys and belt should have a little texture so the grip without slipping.

Or, the safer option is to just replace the belts. While the belts are off, scufff up the pulley surface.


All the above assumes the noise is coming from the belts. More than likely the noise is coming from the compressor itself. While the belt is off, spin the pulley. If it growls or makes noise, or feels rough, more than likely the bearing or clutch is junk.