So the other day I took the car out for a drive. It just rained so it was pretty humid out so I cranked on the AC. After a few miles I noticed the car felt sluggish. More than normal with the AC on. *I actually just saw billman a few months ago and the drive back from Long Island was great with the AC on the entire time.

It felt like the calipers were locked up. I continued to drive but not for much longer. The car began to pull hard to the right and I started smelling something burning ..more like the brakes....and saw some smoke so I pulled over. Engine temp was normal. All fluids looked good. My front wheel was extremely HOT...after only driving 6 miles. Thankfully I wasn't too far from home so I took it easy on the way back with the AC off.

The next day I took it out again only this time with no AC. The car performed as it should. I didn't understand it. I did this a second time and kept it short and still zero issues. I swapped my wheels back to the stock 16s and they easily turned no problem. Nothing was locked up.

So last night I decided to test it again but with AC on. Aside from the smoke....the issues all came back including the horrible smell. The AC is definitely not performing as it should. My windows were getting all fogged up. I got home and the wheel (drivers front) was super hot again. WTF

This morning I took it for a final test with AC off. I drove it 30 miles and it had ZERO issues. Car had full power. I didn't drive it too hard but still put it through its paces. Came home and all wheels were normal temp.

I'm losing my mind here at this point. I guess I won't be using my AC for a while.

Edit: Texted my mechanic and he thinks that my AC compressor is failing and is putting out a lot of heat and smoke which is why my left wheel is heating up. I did buy it used off ebay. I guess I should go reman next time. Car is still blowing pretty cool for the most part though....strange.

 

Would refresh and grease front caliper sliders ect first.

 

When you bought your compressor did you not check the pulley to see if it spins freely? I'm guessing the smell is the serpentine belt.

Never buy reman. Brand new compressor for this car is roughly $450.

Remaned compressors are 2/3rds the price, would rather pony up the difference for a brand new one.

 

I had it shipped to the garage that installed and charged the AC system. I would assume they gave it a good look over before installing it.
Should I just go through Honda for the OEM or is there a cheaper option?

It sounds like I’ll probably need a new belt if the compressor is chewing it up.

 

A failing A/C compressor would not make a wheel hot and cause pulling. Check your calipers... you could also have an A/C problem. It is easy to go down the rabbit hole when dealing with compounding problems.

 

AC compressor is mighty near the steering torque sensor.

 

The drive belt would snap from the heat and friction way before an A/C compressor got that hot to damage everything around it....