It seems to be getting worse lately. When I'm running the A/C, you can feel/hear the compressor clutch kick on (about every 1-2 minutes). You know it's on because the car almost feels like it's braking when it kicks in. It almost throws my head forward a little. It's pretty violent compared to the past. Is this a sign of the compressor going bad? Or is it normal to be able to easily feel the compressor clutch kick on? Can you guys feel the car rock or feel like the brakes are on when it kicks on?

 

No. The only thing I notice is that the engine speed changes if the car is idling. If your compressor is almost seized up, it may be resisting turning with a large amount of friction that is a huge drag on the engine. Find a repair shop that will give you a free evaluation.

 

More likely, motor mount.

 

I acually just changed my roll post mounts in hopes of getting rid of the car rocking/lurching back and forth in between shifts or when letting off the gas to coast. Unfortunetely that didn't really fix that problem...probably have to poly the roll post mounts.



So you guys don't feel engine/power cutback when the compressor clutch kicks on? It's very apparent in my car.

 

Wait, are you talking about the mounts beside the struts or the ones under the engine? The ones under the engine are the roll stops, and they are 100% destroyed by this time if they haven't been replaced. Filling mine with silicone rubber stopped the engine clunking back & forth and making the car lurch during acceleration/deceleration.

 

I replaced the ones under the transmission, mounted on the crossbar support. But it didn't really help with my bucking car when trying to shift or let off the gas smoothly. I think I'll try filling them with polyurethane to stiffen them up.



I noticed the front bottom roll post mount has a huge opening for the bolt to go through. Is there a way to tighten that up so its not so big?



But my original question was just if its normal to feel power loss and the engine pull back (almost like its breaking) when the A/C compressor kicks on.

 

Not for my car. I don't notice it at all.

 

I have a 2001 Tiburon that is experiencing similar AC issues. If I turn my AC on at like 50mph it feels like the compressor is partially seized due to the big shock you get and the engine power you loose. I can't run the AC at stop lights because it vibrates the car to bad. I also have poly mounts on my lower engine mounts. I have a noticeable power decrease with it on too.



The compressor has 228,000 miles on it. I think its time to look for a new one before this one fails.

 

I used to notice a huge difference when my ac kicked in. After I replaced the old ac condensor fan it was MUCH better.