I finally took my 2000 5.4 in to have the annoying noise checked out. I had searched long and far to determine the cause. It would make a grinding type noise along with a refrigerant circulating noise every time the heat/ac was on a setting the involved defrost. Well it turned out the system was low on freon, so the shop recharged it and the noise is GONE.
Well, here is my question. The service tech at the Ford dealer told me that the compressor bearing is not a serviceable part. The entire unit would have to be replaced ($600). I seem to remember reading about it actually being possible to change the bearing in the compressor...not to mention you could do it with it still mounted in the truck. Is this true? Is the dealer trying to milk some $$$ outta me?

 

I've changed the AC Clutch myself with it on the vehicle (after three shops that I'll never call again told me it couldn't be done) . . . and I'm certainly no expert, but I don't see how you'd change the compressor bearing with it on the vehicle, or at all without tearing down the compressor . . . but then again, I could be and often am wrong . . .

CC

 

Actually, it very well may be the clutch. I didn't pay much attention to the tech once the words "non serviceable part" came out of his mouth.