I have a 1998, 4.6 XLT F150, the compressor is making a loud noise, the front ring on the compressor is loose,.

I believe it is the clutch on the compressor, my question is do i have to take off the compressor to replace the clutch.

If I have to remove the compressor to replace the clutch, is it a good idea to just replace the compressor itself.

I'm open for suggestions. please help.

 

This just happened to my sisters Chrysler Cirrus. Except the compressor totally froze up and the belt burned up. I know on that chrysler it was really easy to take the clutch off the compressor and see it, the bearings where completely shot, the ***** just fell out and the clutch was blown apart. The compressor spun freely without the clutch on. We were not able to find JUST the clutch so we bought a used compressor for a couple hundred bucks and took the clutch off, replaced it, good as new.

That's just my story of simmilar experience, not sure if you can do the same application on our truck, I would assume you could. Make sure that its the clutch though before you waste your time. If you have to replace the whole thing you have to get all the refrigerant out etc.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

 

I guess I didn't quite clearly answer part of your question, you shouldn't have to take the compressor off to replace the clutch. We didn't have to on that Chrysler. Not sure about room at what not on the truck, I'm assuming there's more room to work. And if you have to go through the work to take the compressor off I would replace it, with new.

 

That is what I was thinking, I appreciate your quick response