Listen to my compressor bearing screaming

e-tek · Mar 25, 2013

Any know if it would more likely be the pump or the electric motor?? Are they easily replaced or should I just order a new Pump or motor?

SCREAMING COMPRESSOR BEARING (Sorry - terrible video!)

NASTYZEN · Mar 25, 2013

Take the belts off and turn by hand?
Any shavings in the pump oil?

Todd.Brock · Mar 25, 2013

Ed, I wish I could help. My 80gal 5 HP. 2 stage is doing the SAME thing. It was like a high pitched ring I couldn't put my finger on until I heard your video. I will be watching with great interest! maybe those eaton pumps aren't so bad after all??

CNGsaves · Mar 25, 2013

I'd try to isolate whether from electric motor or compressor. Cover up the electric motor with blanket for a couple minutes and see if sound is less.

Old mechanic friend of mine had "listening stick" approach where he'd use a long steel rod like break-over bar and put end next to bearing and other end next to your ear (if you find it, you'll know it). I'm sure SnapOn has high-end version of this. Be careful trying this around open belt and flywheel.

I'd bet it's on the compressor side . . . like main pulley, or guard dragging on main pulley/flywheel or something simple.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

e-tek · Mar 25, 2013

NASTYZEN said:
Take the belts off and turn by hand?
Any shavings in the pump oil?

I changed the oil last week, hoping that would help, but it didn't. No shavings/grit in the oil, so doesn't appear internal.

CNGsaves said:
I'd try to isolate whether from electric motor or compressor. Cover up the electric motor with blanket for a couple minutes and see if sound is less.

Old mechanic friend of mine had "listening stick" approach where he'd use a long steel rod like break-over bar and put end next to bearing and other end next to your ear (if you find it, you'll know it). I'm sure SnapOn has high-end version of this. Be careful trying this around open belt and flywheel.

I'd bet it's on the compressor side . . . like main pulley, or guard dragging on main pulley/flywheel or something simple.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Good idea to try and isolate, though a blanket could be dangerous! Maybe I'll try the stethoscope....

930dreamer · Mar 25, 2013

Remove the belt and start the motor.

CNGsaves · Mar 25, 2013

e-tek said:
I changed the oil last week, hoping that would help, but it didn't. No shavings/grit in the oil, so doesn't appear internal.

Good idea to try and isolate, though a blanket could be dangerous! Maybe I'll try the stethoscope....

Yep, be careful. Maybe a heavy dose of Duct-Tape on that sound deadening blanket on the electric motor so it's all taped down and secure before you turn on the compressor. Again just a few minutes test so nothing overheats.

The old "grandpa approach" might be worth a try by spraying WD-40 on select moving parts /friction points and see if sound lessens temporarily.

bobbleheadhillbilly · Mar 25, 2013

I'm with 930dreamer. Isolate the main components. That video was awful. Freaking nails on a chalkboard. But just by judging on the pitch, based on pump vs. motor rpm, I'm betting on the motor.

zkling · Mar 25, 2013

Well first off I would stop using it to prevent any further damage to the unit. :headscrat

Simple test as suggested, take off the belts and run the motor. If noise goes away, obviously pump, if noise is still present, probably motor.

While the belts are off check to make sure the pulleys are tight. Also check to see if there is any excessive radial play in both the pump and motor shaft.

gorilla · Mar 26, 2013

Random thoughts, shivs rubbing on belt guard, broken valves in compressor pump, shivs loose on shafts. The noise sounds like it's at motor speed so first guess would be motor bearings. Dead easy to replace.

larry_g · Mar 26, 2013

A dirty belt and pulley can also cause a squeal. Gorilla suggests that something may be rubbing. Grab the belt guard while running and see if it causes a change in pitch. I would also suggest that you plug the air inlet to see if the air movement may be causing the noise. Good luck.

lg
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Listen to my compressor bearing screaming

e-tek

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