I am new to this board so I may not be posting in the right place...

We bought a 1994 Chevy blazer that has been very well maintained and runs great! Just recently we noticed a loud rattling sound when we use the A/C. The compressor is making a terrible racket when it's on. It still cools fine and it hasn't affected the way the blazer drives.

It's awfully hot in TX right now and is just getting hotter but I have been driving without the A/C because I'm afraid I'm going to tear something up by running it.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions? Does this rattle mean the compressor is about to go out? Will it hurt to use the A/C? Is this a do-it-yourself job? (We are NOT mechanics but have done some minor work on our vehicles)

Thanks for any responses.

Cristi

 

Check the belt, does it look like it is being damaged?

 

It might be the A/C clutch rattling. Watch the clutch for play when the A/C cycles off & on & like Rich said look at the belt for signs of wear, fraying, uneven edges, large cracks etc.
The pulley the clutch is part of may be worn &/or the clutch itself.
Replacing the pulley & clutch requires a special tool that you may be able to rent at a auto parts store.

 

Mine makes a rattling noise as well. Has done it for the past 3 years and I'm in Austin, it was worked hard last year hasn't gotten better or worse. It's the clutch.