Replace the A/C Compressor or Clutch?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Lexington SC
Replace the A/C Compressor or Clutch?
Recently while making a decent pull I had the a/c on. After slowing down, I noticed a rattle coming from the compressor. Now it still blows air, not cold since it needs to be charged.
But when on it make this rattling noise. Could this be just the Clutch on the compressor? Since the compressor still works? I was hoping to just order the clutch and a new belt to see if that fixes the issue and then have the a/c charged.
Any suggestions on if I should try the clutch/belt first ,since from what I can tell the AC will be a PITA to replace
-Josh
But when on it make this rattling noise. Could this be just the Clutch on the compressor? Since the compressor still works? I was hoping to just order the clutch and a new belt to see if that fixes the issue and then have the a/c charged.
Any suggestions on if I should try the clutch/belt first ,since from what I can tell the AC will be a PITA to replace
-Josh
Last edited by Leukic; May 11, 2010 at 04:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Lexington SC
Gonna buy a Mechanic Stethoscope, in a day or so and cut it on to see if I can hear this noise coming from the actual Compressor, if not. Then I would guess the clutch is shot and will replace it.
But keep the ideas coming, and Thanks Vettenuts
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
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From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Normally if the a/c charge is low the compressor won't engage. Did you have this rattle when the a/c was working proper? If not, I would suggest getting the system properly charged to make sure the noise isn't caused by a low chraged system making the compressor engage and disengage to fast causing the noise.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
It might be wise to think about buying a new or re-manufactured unit, if either the clutch or compressor is bad.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
Just to note further, the Jeep made a rattling sound at idle when the clutch was engaged. I would have sworn it was the compressor, but the tensioner spring was weak and the additional load of the compressor engaged and rotating was making the tensioner bounce around and make the noise. Stethoscope indications were the compressor as well (noise travels well in aluminum) and since the tensioner was very hard to see, it initially escaped detection.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Lexington SC
Josh,
Normally if the a/c charge is low the compressor won't engage. Did you have this rattle when the a/c was working proper? If not, I would suggest getting the system properly charged to make sure the noise isn't caused by a low chraged system making the compressor engage and disengage to fast causing the noise.
Normally if the a/c charge is low the compressor won't engage. Did you have this rattle when the a/c was working proper? If not, I would suggest getting the system properly charged to make sure the noise isn't caused by a low chraged system making the compressor engage and disengage to fast causing the noise.
But under normal driving it wasnt making this noise, It was only after a decent pull to around 5500 with it on, then it started.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 4
From: Lexington SC
Just to note further, the Jeep made a rattling sound at idle when the clutch was engaged. I would have sworn it was the compressor, but the tensioner spring was weak and the additional load of the compressor engaged and rotating was making the tensioner bounce around and make the noise. Stethoscope indications were the compressor as well (noise travels well in aluminum) and since the tensioner was very hard to see, it initially escaped detection.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
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From: Rochester Hills MI
if it rattles with the ac on its the compressor. if it rattles with the ac off its the clutch bearing. if it rattles no matter what, its probably a pulley. i just replaced my compressor due to a clutch bearing failure a couple weeks ago.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
Let the car idle with A/C running. When the clutch engages, watch the tensioner on the A/C belt. It will be hard to see because it is tucked in there pretty good. Based on your posts, I am not sure you have isolated the problem yet.
