A/C Compressor

[hav]

Hi,
I have 99' V6 Camry. It has around 120 K on the clock. Recently when I had the mechanic change the oil he said that there is a mild rattling noise coming from the compressor, when you stand outside the car near the front with the hood open. I turned the A/C from the cabin later, but I don't hear any noise. A/C blows cool but not chilly cold.
Do you think I need to change the compressor. I had all the belts changed recently.
Can an A/C recharge or servicing fix the problem?
Thanks

[Kep]

My 1995 compressor is chattering too. I took it to an AC shop and they said that it was beginning to go. They put in some synthetic oil and said that it might last a little longer. I hope that it will last another season or two. When it does break I'll replace the compressor.

Kep

[Venom_5]

dont change it until the cold air stops working ... its a $500+ expense

[hooRAH]

Really the only way to be sure is to run a pressure test on the system. You'll need to take a look at both the high side pressure and the low side pressure to see if the compressor is working properly or if you are low on refrigerant.

A rattling in the compressor means that the bearings are wearing out. It might be a sign you need to replace it, but I've had 2 cars with bearings in the AC that make noise that have worked fine for over 5 years (each of them). Its not an immediate write off.

I'd take the car for a "free AC checkup" that shops run and have them give you the high and low side pressures (don't settle for a good/bad diagnosis). Then you can research the pressures on your own and decide if the compressor is working properly.