Timing Belt Replaced, Now Compressor?

Sengr · May 29, 2011

I had my timing belt replaced at 89,200 miles for my 1996 LS400. Also had all the belts and hoses replaced. Now the compressor is making a high pitch humming noise. Could my mechanic screwed up or it is just my bad luck? I am asking is there anyway the belts are installed in a way that caused the compressor to make that noise? Your help is much appreciated. And what is the estimate to have the compressor replaced? What do you think about this ad?

"This is a denso-reman ac compressor with a 1yr warranty providing a ac flush, ac drier&expansion valve has been changed.

we have a ac specialist who can trouble shoot most cars over the phone......contact Freezy

our price for complete system ac system including all parts 300.00

our price for labor only......................................................100.00"

Also the driver side seat belt was replaced in 2004 at 21000 miles now the front passenger seat belt would not retract also. What gives? I had a 1999 Toyota Avalon that had frayed seat belt replaced with no cost to me.

steve2006 · May 29, 2011

Was the radiator and AC condenser removed to replace the timing belt? If so was the AC degassed before doing so and correctly reconnected and regassed after the job? There are a lot of possibles and causes.If the AC was OK before the timing belt job it should still be OK now.

landar · May 29, 2011

I would ask how do you know it is the compressor making the noise? Does the A/C still work? Why not take it back to your mechanic and have him take a look?

The A/C system should not need to be disturbed in order to replace a timing belt.

Sengr · May 30, 2011

Thanks for the replies. I did take it back to the mechanic and that when I learned it could be the compressor. The mechanic did tell me to pay close attention to the noise. These cars are very quiet. I did a test by turning off the ac at stop light and the noise went away. It is indeed the compressor. Any one of you can estimate the cost of replacing the ac compressor?

1990LS400 · May 30, 2011

Is the refrigerant in the A/C system at the proper level? Consider using an automotive stethoscope to pinpoint the location of the noise but be VERY careful using one around moving parts. If your A/C putting out cold air while it is humming? I've had a noticeable humming sound from the engine compartment when my A/C is on since I bought my 00 LS in 2003 at 38,000 miles. I probably notice the hum because the engine is otherwise nearly silent at idle.

Have you removed the trim covering the seat belt retraction mechanism to take a look? The trim panel pops off easily but do it carefully as these parts become brittle with age.

steve2006 · May 30, 2011

I saw a similar situation on a GS300 where the AC worked but the compressor made a rattling noise and it was the clutch on the compressor,apparently just this part can be replaced to sort the problem.

Sengr · June 11, 2012

Update: I went back to the mechanic who did the timing job; the dealer and another place for an A/C checkup. The verdict, respectively is: compressor, drive belt pulley and tensioner, and condenser fan motor. I am leaning towards the condenser fan because when in idle, I turned off the a/c button, the fan stops and the noise stops. I would have the fan motor replaced new if I knew absolutely that is the part. So my question is, can I use salvaged part for this? Thank you in advance.