Chattering A/C compressor
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Chattering A/C compressor
96 F-150
125K miles
In the last year, I've replaced the auto tensioner, belt, and power steering pump.
It sounds like when the power steering pump started to oscillate, the a/c compressor clutches' bearings were thrown out of whack.
Compressor still blows cold
I'm going to do it myself -
Would you replace the clutch bearing, the clutch and the bearing, or the whole compressor?
I was thinking about going to the wrecker and yanking the clutch off a junker for 10 bucks.
I can get a new clutch with a bearing for $100 @ Autozone.
Any help appreciated.
125K miles
In the last year, I've replaced the auto tensioner, belt, and power steering pump.
It sounds like when the power steering pump started to oscillate, the a/c compressor clutches' bearings were thrown out of whack.
Compressor still blows cold
I'm going to do it myself -
Would you replace the clutch bearing, the clutch and the bearing, or the whole compressor?
I was thinking about going to the wrecker and yanking the clutch off a junker for 10 bucks.
I can get a new clutch with a bearing for $100 @ Autozone.
Any help appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN 38135, USA, Earth
Stay OUT of the zone.
Pull the belt off & spin the pulley by hand. If it's rough, or makes any noise, it's bad. Then turn the clutch (the front part) by hand. It should be intermittently stiff (as the pistons work inside the compressor), but smooth & quiet. If not, the compressor is bad. Get a feeler gauge & check the air gap between the pulley face & the clutch - it should be 0.02-0.03" in 3 locations spaced evenly around the clutch. If not, remove the clutch & remove some of the shims. Then turn the key to RUN (engine off) & turn the A/C on max. You should hear the clutch snap in. Make sure it's pulling in evenly. Some clutches have 3 large rubber insulators on the front face, and they can wear out. If they're gone, replace the clutch.
***EDIT*** Here's the right diagram for your year.
Pull the belt off & spin the pulley by hand. If it's rough, or makes any noise, it's bad. Then turn the clutch (the front part) by hand. It should be intermittently stiff (as the pistons work inside the compressor), but smooth & quiet. If not, the compressor is bad. Get a feeler gauge & check the air gap between the pulley face & the clutch - it should be 0.02-0.03" in 3 locations spaced evenly around the clutch. If not, remove the clutch & remove some of the shims. Then turn the key to RUN (engine off) & turn the A/C on max. You should hear the clutch snap in. Make sure it's pulling in evenly. Some clutches have 3 large rubber insulators on the front face, and they can wear out. If they're gone, replace the clutch.
***EDIT*** Here's the right diagram for your year.
Last edited by Steve83; May 4, 2007 at 01:24 AM.
