I have a 92 4runner with 3.0 today after work I cranked it up and noticed a squeaky noise I turned my ac off and the noise stopped so what would be squeaking is it a bearing or the whole ac compressor? It still blows cold air and its not really a loud squeak just enough to notice but Id rather fix it now before it gets bad

 

Typically one of two things. First is what you have already mentioned, the bearing. The bearing is in the clutch assembly and it's replaceable on my compressor. Second is the drive belt.

Oh wait, on my 22R I have a tension pulley as well that has a bearing. I don't if the V6 would have the same type of design.

Worst case is the compressor.

 

could be the belt, could be the idler bearing.

 

Is there anyway to tell which one it is besides buying new parts and just hoping thats it

 

For the belt, spraying some water from a garden hose may remove the noise as the water is acting as a lubricant. There is also a dedicated fan belt spray available.

http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-80074.../dp/B000HBM6OU




But all that does is mask the cause of the noise, which is a bad fan belt or it being improperly adjusted.


For the bearing, the only thing I can think of is using a mechanic's stethoscope. The version that is hollow and can channel the noise to the ears. There's two versions.

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-52750-St...7s+stethescope




With the stethoscope you can move the cone back and forth over different areas to see which makes the most noise. However, because the clutch overlaps the nose of the compressor, it still may not work.

Other than that, you'll have to wait for others who are more familiar with the V6 will have to chime in.

 

the pulley is cheap i may just buy one and a new belt mine have 252000 miles on them atleast the pulley does so im sure its tired by now and if that doesnt fix it ill look at the compressor

 

check the condition of the belt. If there are cracks, replace it. Just replace the idler. Usually if the a/c clutch goes bad it will make a lot of noise. More of a howling or growling.

 

Yea im gonna see if I can find the parts around here tommrow

 

You can check your local auto wreckers for the A/C clutch by inputting your info at car-part.com

http://www.car-part.com/index.htm