So I was getting a compressor bearing noise above 3000 rpm with the AC engaged. I removed the clutch assembly and let the compressor dangle by some zip ties on the original mount.

When I came out to my garage this morning, it reeked of freon. I see my tools all over the floor (including a broken flashlight) and compressor oil/freon ALL over the place.

The compressor has somehow vented violently over night.

I can't find the bearing so now after this lovely event I think I'm just going to replace the entire compressor.

Has anyone seen anything like this? Did I screw up by leaving the clutch assembly off too long? I didn't think it would vent with the clutch removed...

Pictures:





Note the freon all over the place and the rag soaked in oil (it was dry last night).



Looked like it vented straight out of the middle. The spray pattern on my tool box and the wall 12-15' away seem to confirm this.

Has anyone seen anything like this before?

 

I've never seen that but then again, I've never removed/replaced the pulley/clutch. I suspect that the pulley/clutch keeps pressure on a seal that blew out and vented the contents all over the place. BTW - the oil is the only thing remaining, the Freon (R-134) is colorless/odorless and vaporizes at normal temperatures/pressures. So it was gone right away.