AC on = very rough idle

[JohnnyC]

I have a 96 LT4. Now that it is getting hotter in NJ, i tried to use the fan/AC. The vette started to shake and rumble way above normal. I have a slightly rough idle as it is, but as soon as the air or AC are turned on its crazy. Any ideas where to start would be helpful.

Thanks.
John

 

[John Robinson]

Start by removing the fan belt and spinning the air compressor pulley to see if it spins freely. If it is rough or it may even lock up that would explain the shakes and rough idle.

 

[JohnnyC]

I looked at this today. The pulley is pretty rough to spin. It moves, but does not spin freely like the alternator. Is there a way to loosen this or can be easily replaced?

 

[smokestack]

When was youre last spark plug change?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2

 

[John Robinson]

I looked at this today. The pulley is pretty rough to spin. It moves, but does not spin freely like the alternator. Is there a way to loosen this or can be easily replaced?

I think you have isolated the problem. I would guess if you look at the belt you will see were it has been burnishied from being pulled over a pully that momentarily freezes up while spinning. If as you say the pulley spins with a roughness. I would bet the bearings are going bad and that when the ac trys to engage the compressor by hooking up the compressor pulley it is locking up.

 

[John Robinson]

I forgot to mention that when you have the belt off start the car and see if if idles smoothly. If so you diffently have isolated the problem area.

 

[JohnnyC]

Thanks for the replies. Is this what i'm looking for:

NEW AC COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ASSEMBLY 1988-1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE | eBay

Is this a do-it-yourself job? I'm fairly mechanically inclined and have basic tools, sockets, etc.

 

[93Rubie]

I think you need a specific puller tool to get the clutch assy. off and back on.