2000 Cavalier Rattling Only When A/C off

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Jeremiah Greer - 29 Nov 2005 22:28 GMT

I'm having a problem with our 2000 Chevy Cavalier, wondering if anyone
has any ideas what to check.

Whenever the A/C is NOT running, there is a loud rattling (sort of a
metal-on-metal noise) coming from the vicinity of the A/C compressor.

When the A/C is started, the rattling immediately goes away. Turn the
A/C off and it comes right back.

BTW the A/C works fine and no other problems with anything else.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Reply to this Message

Harry Face - 29 Nov 2005 23:27 GMT

It might be the A/C compressor clutch rattling. Under load its engaged
against the pulley. Shut off the A/C & its freewheels. Can you see it
wobble any when the A/C is off?

Good Luck

Harryface
05 Park Avenue, 32,688
91 Bonneville LE 304,619

Reply to this Message

Jeremiah Greer - 07 Dec 2005 06:07 GMT

>From reading up on the other posts after searching about the A/C

clutch, I'm guessing it is the clutch bearing. Seems like this is a
common problem?

Anyways, looks like it takes a lot of specialty tools to replace it.
Anybody know if AutoZone rents out the tools to do it or are some of
them dealer-specific?

Reply to this Message

Harry Face - 07 Dec 2005 06:30 GMT

I'm sure some auto parts store chain will rent out tools for the job.

I've only worked on a 91 Pontiac so I'm not sure of the design of a 2000
Cavalier clutch plate, but if it comes off in two pieces like it did on
my Bonneville its broken and is more than likely the problem and not
the bearing.

If you can drive with the clutch plate off see if the noise you've been
is gone. A snap ring held my bearing / pulley on, its also pressed onto
the shaft as well.

The bearing on mine is staked into the pulley, so don't be too shocked
if you need a bearing/pulley assembly - if that turns out to be your
problem.

Good Luck.

Harryface
05 Park Avenue, 32,672
91 Bonneville LE 304,778

Reply to this Message

Woody - 30 Nov 2005 01:47 GMT

Try replacing the belt or check for a bad spot. While at it check the
tensioner.

> I'm having a problem with our 2000 Chevy Cavalier, wondering if anyone
> has any ideas what to check.
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Thanks for any suggestions!

Reply to this Message