I charged and oiled the system about a month and a half ago and now it's starting to howl, mostly when the AC isn't on and then seems to go away when I turn the ac on. Any advice, what kind of damage will end up happening?

 

Oiled the system? How much oil? You should never have to add oil to a system unless you have changed a major component... drier, condenser, evaporator, etc.

Because the howl goes away when you turn the A/C on, the noise is probably coming from the compressor clutch bearing. Time for a new compressor.

 

Are you saying there was too much oil and it killed the clutch?

 

No, not at all. I'm just saying don't be tempted to buy those little cans of oil, or refrigerant that says it has oil in it--you don't need it.

The oil never leaves the system unless you change a major component. Too much oil in the system will cause it not to cool properly.

The bearing in your clutch died from natural causes. Slap a new compressor on it, (now you can add two ounces of PAG oil poured directly into the discharge line) vacuum it down and charge it back up.

 

I would replace the clutch,

not sure if the jeeps are the same, but on the GMs that I have worked on we could press off the clutch with everything in place, and replace it, this way you dont have to go and evacuate the system and recharge it.

EDIT: plus it would be cheaper than a whole new compressor

 

A new compressor is $180-$200. By the time the clutch bearing is gone, the compressor is probably worn right out anyway. I'd do the compressor.

 

Can I make it through winter before I have to change it out?

 

Just replaced the clutch plate, bearing and coil on my AC compressor for about USD 80 bucks.

The main advantage compared to replacing the compressor is that, you don't need to re charge the system. That comes at a price too, on top of the compressor price.

Different options, different cost,

Jeroen

 

If money is an issue, just do the bearing and clutch. But if it's howling, I wouldn't wait until spring. You don't want it to come apart. It ain't like the old days of separate belts, where you could remove the a/c belt and keep on truckin.

 

I've read on this forum that the bearing and clutch cost as much as the compressor alone, is it true? Where can I get a bearing and clutch? Thanks