Hi All

I recently hit a curb in a parking lot with my right (passenger) wheel. My AC Compressor now makes a very loud grinding noise when the compressor turns on. Will the compressor need to be replaced? Also how could a wheel impact cause a problem with the compressor? (I hope the axle is not bent or something )

Thanks in advance for your help

 

I don't see how they could be related, though one of the AC pipes may be attached to the frame on the passenger side. If something was bent you'd be driving crooked too, so that's probably not it.

As for the noise, I assume it's a short grinding and not continuois grinding when the AC is on?
I think it would be a bad bearing or the clutch material wore out and it's now metal on metal... if it's the clutch that's an 'external' piece that you can replace without replacing the compressor.
You should be able to listen exactly where it's coming from if you pop the hood and listen to it cycling on and off, that may clue you in to see the cause of the problem.

Good luck.