I have a noisy supercharger at 100,000 miles (1993 SSEi). What are my options and how much should it cost (replace, rebuild, etc.). Can the supercharger be "disconnected" by removing the belt and will the car still run? Never changed the supercharger oil yet - how much should this cost at a garage or dealer. Love the car.

Can't run without the supercharger.

Is the oil level full? When is the supercharger noisy, at idle, or at all speeds?

My guess is your coupler in the nose cone needs replaceing. It is the most common cause of SC noise in our cars. All the parts to swap it out cost about $100. It takes a few hours to do but is actually not that hard of a job.

Now, if you go to a shop or a dealer to have this done they will most likely want to just replace the whole supercharger, which isn't needed.

Here is an easy way to test to see if the coupler is going. Pull the belt off the bupercharger pulley so you can spin it freely. Then try to spin it. What you are looking for is play between the pulley and the gears inside. If it is there you will feel it.

Thanks for the quick responses. SC is very noisy at idle, much quieter (really can't hear it) when driving. Would this be the coupler? Should I change the oil since it has 100,000 miles on it wait to fix it first? If the parts for the coupler are about $100 then 4-5 hours of labor could cost me another $400. So I'd have $500+ into it and not know if I solved the problem. Is a rebuilt or new SC expensive?
thanks

I believe a rebuilt SC is $1100 to $1700USD. If the oil hasn't been changed any time recently then yes change it I'd do it right after you find out if that coupler is bad.

Do you work on things yourself?

93 SSEi - I am handy around the house and used to do a little work on my cars when they were mechanical (points & plugs). I would not personally do anything major like the SC though. But I don't want to spend $1100-$1700 either.

1) If it fails, what happens?
2) Does the noisy condition at idle versus while driving tell us anything?
3) Could it go another 20,000 miles being noisy at idle or do I need to fix it now?

Well, if you don't want to work on it, go to the dealer and have them put a new nosecone on it, and in the process they have to put new oil in it.

Nosecone should be around $400, labor 1-2 hours. Have them get you an estimate.

Otherwise, here'* what it is like to take apart. You can see where the coupler is. Dealer will not install a coupler, you have to do that yourself. I think coupler is only around $50.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...pic.php?t=2408

1) I don't know - pieces might break off and bounce all around and get ground up in the gears
2) It'* the coupler.
3) 20,000 is a lot, I wouldn't wait that long.

Here is wher you can get the coupler:

http://www.zzperformance.com/zzp/pro...sc_coupler.htm

The coupler is $29, the other $60 or so is for all the gaskets, sealers, etc...

I have done this procedure myself and I found it to be alot easier than I thought. If you can change your own alternator, spare tire, oil, belts, etc... you shouldn't have too much trouble doing the coupler. It'* all simply bolted together, not any real tricks to it.

Appreciate the info. I just found a website with refurb gm used parts. They have a SC for the 93ssei for $699 guaranteed for life. Seems that I should just get a whole new unit if I can get it for $700. How long to remove the old one and install a new one that is one piece complete?