Question about newer A/C compressors???

[kazual]

I have a 2005 Toyota RAV 4 and it runs great. I have a concern about the A/C compressor if it were to ever seize up. Would it free wheel, meaning it has a break away part to allow that or is there a A/C bypass pulley for the latest 2.4 liter engine?

This is just a concern and I plan on keeping the RAV 4 for quite a while. It is just a 2005 with 36,000 miles on it. Heck, my last oil change was only 1,000 miles in 5 months.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[tom slick]

Is this your first vehicle with A/C? why the concern?

 

[paulo57509]

I would think the compressor would give you ample warning signs like rattling noises, oil leaks, etc. before seizing up. Just like the sound the compressor in my Lumina has been making the past year or so. Now it's leaking oil out of the front seal.

 

[bdcardinal]

usually the noises are pretty ovbious. ive seen some that the clutch disengages and freewheels, and i have seen some lock up and the belt goes flying.

 

[kazual]

Just worried about the possibility of a huge repair. I am now disabled and only 38 years old. It isn't my first vehicle with A/C. I just need to make this one last as long as possible. I have a Mild Brain Injury or TBI.

I can still do things for myself, including work on a car. It just takes longer then before. It took me about 4 hours to change the oil and the serpentine belt. But as I was under the RAV 4, I looked at things very carefully like for leaks or anything like that. It has been a long, long 3 1/2 plus years but I have not given up. The thing that slows me down is my daily headaches and migraines. LOTS of medication. I don't drive as much as I once did. I don't even remember the last time I washed the black RAV 4. I am sure it will look good though. It will need polish and wax before winter though.

SUPPORT YOUR STATES BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION. MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS WHERE HELMETS. PLEASE!

 

[mechtech2]

AC compressors don't seem to just lock up.
It is very rare.
Drive and enjoy the car and the AC.

 

[qship1996]

I got 13 years and 200,000 miles out of my original A/C compressor in my Q45- still ran and was quiet at 200,000 miles, but was not efficient at low speed{idle} and vent temps would creep up to the mid 60F, was fine at highway speeds- new compressor fixed that completely!

 

[Kestas]

mechtech2, are you sure that a/c compressors don't seem to just lock up? Can you qualify your statement?

Some automotive designers design in features to either disable an a/c compressor if belt slippage occurs, or altogether give the a/c compressor a belt of it's own that can be removed or cut, so the driver wouldn't be dead on the side of the road during an a/c seizure. These features are generally not extended to air pumps, water pumps, or other accessories that have pulleys. These design features are compelling evidence that a/c compressors can and do seize.

 

[punisher]

AC compressors sieze. AC clutch pulleys sieze. If a compressor siezes up, it either twists off the input shaft, slips and make an awful noise, or you simply turn off the AC, and the compressor is inop and you have the compressor serviced at your leisure. If a clutch pulley siezes, you are out of commission. I have yet to run into a modern compressor that didn't give plenty warning that a problem was going to occur (unless you include that dessicant bag in the accumulator that decided to just let go).

 

[mechtech2]

I didn't say that an AC compressor would or could never lock up.
I said they don't seem to and it is very rare.
Words have meanings.

 

[onion]

I've seen several locked up compressors; it definitely happens. But I imagine that the failing hub bearing would give quite a bit of warning. So long as your compressor isn't making EXCESSIVE noise, I wouldn't worry about it locking up and leaving you stranded. It's pretty unlikely.

 

[chrome]

You are more likely to experience a faulty clutch than a completely seized up compressor. Unless you have a catastrophic loss of gas/lubricant and keep running the compressor in that state, chances are the compressor will last a long time.

I had the clutch jam on a compressor once, the only symptom was a stalling engine at the red lights. The idle control did not compensate for the compressor because the clutch was jammed.

 

[Tosh]

I dare say the 'break-away' part is the belt.

I think kazual is the worrying kind, so don't read the following story: When I young, we had an Audi 5000 Diesel on which the AC belt was looking pretty worn. But I figured 'What's the worst that can happen? Big deal, I lose the AC, right?' But the belt broke and knocked off the PS belt, which made for an energetic drive home.

 

[kazual]

I am "the worrying kind" and so are the rest of us here talking about our cars and how to maintain them. We take factory recommendations and throw them out the window and devise our own plans.

I have a brand new Goodyear Gatorback Belt in place of the factory belt that only had 36,000 miles. I kept it in case I can't get my hands on one right away.

One time, when I was driving tractor trailers still, I went to start the engine and threw 3 paralel belts at once. Lost the water pump and power steering. Not fun. A/C was on it's own belt.