HELP - noisy AC compressor - again!
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Texas
HELP - noisy AC compressor - again!
I had my AC system redone and converted to R134 - new compressor (Napa), new drier (Napa), new expansion valve (Lexus). Had the system flushed entirely, then rebuilt. First compressor made a wickedly loud noise like the bearings were screaming.
Bought a second compressor, and had them swapped out. Second compressor makes the same noise as the first.
We're all stumped. Any thoughts?
Bought a second compressor, and had them swapped out. Second compressor makes the same noise as the first.
We're all stumped. Any thoughts?
Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Texas
When you flush an A/C system you're to do that for a few reasons...
to remove all old oil (swapping from R12 to R134)
or if you have a hardcore system failure to remove all metal bits that are as a result.
Anytime you open the A/C system you need to replace the dryer/accumulator and associated o-rings at the location you open it at.
Also on the '96 the expansion device is behind the dash as I recall and that's a BIG PITA to replace, so I'd leak test the system after flushing it to see if you have any problems. That's not something I'd like to have to replace.
My system took a dump about two months ago, I picked up a used compressor for $300 that I threw on. I haven't charged it yet but probably will this week. I got almost 10 years/200k from it.
HVAC systems aren't that bad to work on, just take a lot of time to do them properly.
to remove all old oil (swapping from R12 to R134)
or if you have a hardcore system failure to remove all metal bits that are as a result.
Anytime you open the A/C system you need to replace the dryer/accumulator and associated o-rings at the location you open it at.
Also on the '96 the expansion device is behind the dash as I recall and that's a BIG PITA to replace, so I'd leak test the system after flushing it to see if you have any problems. That's not something I'd like to have to replace.
My system took a dump about two months ago, I picked up a used compressor for $300 that I threw on. I haven't charged it yet but probably will this week. I got almost 10 years/200k from it.
HVAC systems aren't that bad to work on, just take a lot of time to do them properly.
Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Originally Posted by GliTCH
why not just use that new refrigerant that is compatible with the older systems? i hear it even runs colder than R134
Like that Freeze-12 junk?
IMO I'd never convert a vehicle over. If it was R12 stick with it, at times the system is designed around it. i.e. The condensor can be so small it can't cool well enough to make R134 be efficient.
Many of the replacement refrigerants use stuff such a propane to help cool down... not sure about you but I'd rather not have something that can ignite aside from fuel under my hood.
Trending Topics
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: California
R12
So your saying stick with R12. Ive been looking to recharge my system, and i was wondering where can you get R12 anymore, i thought they stopped making it when they brought in the new R134. I cant find the R12 anywhere, do you have to go to a shop to have them do it. i.e. do they only supply R12 to professional shops anymore???
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Originally Posted by blklexguy
So your saying stick with R12. Ive been looking to recharge my system, and i was wondering where can you get R12 anymore, i thought they stopped making it when they brought in the new R134. I cant find the R12 anywhere, do you have to go to a shop to have them do it. i.e. do they only supply R12 to professional shops anymore???
Yes stick with R12 if your car had it from the get-go. If you're down a pound or so, it's cheaper to just find the leak and reuse your existing R12 that's in there. It's valuable.
R12 cools better that R134 but the EPA had some statement regarding it that it was an envrio hazard... then everything went to R134 in what, 1996?I'm not sure if they still make it or not, I know I've seen 30lbs tanks at the local shops here (of fresh nonrecovered R12). Also you can buy it online and at stores if you have an EPA Certification, basically give the government some money after you show them you know that you can handle the stuff in a proper manner. i.e. Do not vent into the atmosphere, recycle used compressor oil properly, etc. Basic stuff.
Also, last I looked at some 134A the price had shot up to nearly the same price of R12 for some strange reason.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Texas
The compressors were noisy because they were faulty - I finally got one from Lexus that was perfect . AC works great now and is cold as hell.
If you need a small bump in the R12 system, then you should stay with R12. If you need a new AC system, then you should swap over to R134 - R12 is awfully hard to find and it's about $35 a can now. In addition, the swap over will increase your resale value.
R134 costs a buttload now because DuPont closed their factory last year for "retooling", then never opened it up again. Rumor is they wanted to drive up the prices by tweaking supply - it's worked. New rumor is that they'll reopen the factory in Aug/Sept, but no one in the biz expects the price to come down too much.
If you need a small bump in the R12 system, then you should stay with R12. If you need a new AC system, then you should swap over to R134 - R12 is awfully hard to find and it's about $35 a can now. In addition, the swap over will increase your resale value.
R134 costs a buttload now because DuPont closed their factory last year for "retooling", then never opened it up again. Rumor is they wanted to drive up the prices by tweaking supply - it's worked. New rumor is that they'll reopen the factory in Aug/Sept, but no one in the biz expects the price to come down too much.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
darimura
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
7
Aug 3, 2011 08:50 PM
