4 Signs of a Damaged Car AC Compressor Bearing That Needs Immediate Replacement

With hot and humid air conditions, it's no wonder that many cars are equipped with AC features. This addition has almost become a necessity for all car owners. 

However, unfortunately, not many people know the signs of a damaged AC compressor bearing. This damage needs to be addressed immediately. Therefore, check the following review. 

1. Leaking Cooling System 

If the internal bearing on the cooling compressor shifts, leakage problems will often occur. This leakage usually appears in the form of AC freon fluid leaking out and spilling onto other car AC components. 

If it gets severe, the fluid could penetrate into the cabin. Check the AC condition immediately. Continuous leakage will cause the cooler to not work optimally and waste freon. 

If the compressor condition has shifted, servicing it may be enough. However, this leakage can also occur due to rusted and worn internal bearings, which need to be replaced. 

2. Noisy AC 

One sign of a damaged car AC compressor bearing is noise. If you hear grinding or squeaking sounds coming from the AC unit, then there is damage occurring there. 

Generally, the cause of that noise is worn or rusted bearing pads. This can happen due to a lack of lubrication. 

Read also: Car AC and How It Works

3. Warm Air Blowing 

It is very clear that the role of the AC is to provide cool and fresh air inside the cabin. However, if the air coming out is the opposite, then there is definitely something wrong with the unit. 

One of the most common issues is that the Freon is depleted, or there is damage to the compressor bearing.

If the first issue is the culprit, then you just need to refill it. But if the cause is the second possibility, you will need to conduct a thorough check. 

Signs of a damaged car AC compressor bearing can be seen from the performance of the evaporator controlled by the compressor bearing.

If damaged, hot air from the engine will come out. This hot air will certainly disrupt the journey. Worse, this air will make the cabin stuffy and lacking in oxygen, which can lead to poisoning or shortness of breath. 

4. Damaged AC Blower

This last damage is related to the compressor clutch that functions to control the compressor itself. Its main task is to activate and deactivate the AC blower, so that cool air can flow out smoothly. 

Upon closer examination, this clutch can be damaged due to rust or wear on the compressor. You should know that damage to this clutch must be addressed immediately. Otherwise, it could affect other components. 

In fact, the signs of a damaged car AC compressor bearing could cause the entire AC component system to fail completely. Therefore, check immediately if the blower is not functioning optimally. 

Using the AC for an extended period can increase the risk of damage to the compressor. This can be easily felt. 

You can see these signs from the airflow, noise, leakage, and inactive blower. If this happens, check and replace it with a new one immediately. 

Read also: The Role of the Car AC Evaporator and Causes of Rapid AC Damage