Civic Compressor Bearing Keeps Making Noise Despite Replacement

[syednayl]

As the title says, I have a 8th Generation Civic who's bearing keeps failing and making noise despite multiple replacements. I have had it pressed properly and tried multiple companies including NSK. Any idea what's going wrong, it doesn't fail initially, rather fails after running some time. I have replaced multiple bearings using the same person and never had issues before I doubt its a problem with the workman.

[helper_learner]

using the same person

This is the problem

[syednayl]

I doubt it, I do not let my AC guy beat the bearing in, I take it to my suspension guy to properly press it into place. The wear initially doesnt happen, rather happens down the line.

[Xulfiqar]

The bearing on that pulley is easy to press on, but when it comes to placing it on the compressor snout, it needs to be assisted with tapping the inner race only.

Finally, is the clutch in good condition? Meaning its not worn out badly and has a very large gap,

If need be install the pulley and pressure plate on a lathe and polish the surfaces then set the gap right.

A loose gap and cause chattering which will cause the clutch to overheat and roast the bearing.

Also make sure the splash shield under the car is intact, it prevents water damage

[syednayl]

The clutc plate is fine if that is what you meant by the clutch and so is the pulley and I already lathed both as a precaution when I replaced the initial bearing. How do you know if the gap is right?

It might have actually been water damage that killed the bearing perhaps. I did pressure wash the car recently and I think I may have accidentally washed the pulleys though I doubt such minimal contact could cause this.

[Xulfiqar]

The gap is checked with feeler gauges and the gap is adjusted by removing or adding shims under the nose of the pressure plate. I recall the gap on your vehicle is 0.4mm

Are your cars plastic water shields missing?

[syednayl]

Yes, those are missing from underneath the car, but they've been missing for ages I dont think two bearings would go bad due to it given that it hasn't been raining in KHI anyways.

Gotcha, I doubt my AC guy has the feeler gauge, but I will ask him.

[Xulfiqar]

If thats the case, your mechanic is probably mishandling the bearing install on the compressor or the guy pressing it on the press.

Your ac mechanic will have a feeler gauge set and a bunch/box of shims to adjust this gap. If he doesnt smack his head and get him to find a set.

[syednayl]

Gotcha, any idea what the desi terminology would be for this?

[Xulfiqar]

“Kalachh ki shim setting tappet wali gaej se”

[syednayl]

Well the dumbass things the noise isnt from the bearing no more, rather it is from the compressor which is definitely not the case. Changing my guy.

[Xulfiqar]

To check for source of noise, a mechanic uses a stethescope. Does your guy not own one?

[helper_learner]

Stethoscope to dactar use kar ty hain

[syednayl]

I do it the hilbilly way by using a metal rod to check for play and vibration etc. But no he doesnt have a stetho, and he doesn't seem to be able to see reason currently.

[Xulfiqar]

If your compressor is making a humming noise and you are low on gas, then oil has migrated from the compressor and most of it is in the evaporator,

Recharge it by weight after a full flush and oiling to get a proper oil and gas quantity. It should fix it.

If its droning then the compressor needs overhauling, the needle bearings of the crank driving the scroll oscillator have been damaged.

[syednayl]

I do not believe it is the compressor that is making the noise, it sounds exactly like a squealing bearing would. The more I rev, the louder it gets.