I've got a noise issue with the compressor on my 2001 F150 super crew 5.4. It makes the noise when the A/C is on or the fan is set to Panel & Floor, Floor & Defrost, or Defrost. It does NOT do it when set to just Panel or just Floor.

After a brief look a I found that the triangular looking piece on the front of my compressor sometimes spins and sometimes doesn't. When set to one of the modes where it makes the noise the triangular looking piece doesn't move...then about every 10 seconds or so it will start to spin and make noise...then it stops spinning and making noise...this repeats over and over at about 10 second intervals.

I assume this is the compressor clutch but I've never worked on this part before. Any advice as to what the problem and the fix is would be much appreciated.

A pic of the offender is below.

 

Sorry...posted this in the wrong area...I'll repost it in the 2001 f150 area...