I've noticed a bad rattle in my truck (2003 F-150 Supercrew 4.6L V8) when I run my A/C, even on the lowest setting with A/C it rattles horribly making me think its gonna fall apart : ( , any suggestions??? The noise is quite annoying, espically during this Texas weather... The rattle comes from the front end of the pickup like its right underneath the front hood, but u can hear it clear as day...

 

Anyone know what maybe the problem im having with this rattle, or what is causing it???

 

Without hearing it, and given the location you describe, I'd say the compressor is failing.

 

if it is the compressor i still have my warranty plus my ESP plan, im wondering how long it would take ford to fix it, or if they can fix it, i have to drive tyo oklahoma later today (about 2 hrs) for a camping trip hm... but i dont want to ave top take my truck in because i have 5 ppl with me and it would suck to cancel it....

 

Well, I don't know about the warranty aspect of it. If it were me, I'd try to run without the air until its diagnosed.

 

if the compressor is bad they will have to evacuate the system and flush it - usually if a compressor goes bad it puts little metal shaving into the system which can damage the new compressor ( i dont know how ford does it but we put an inline filter to protect the new compressor ) if you dont it can void the warranty on the new compressor Total time your probably looking 2.5-3.0 hours

 

we have the same problem on our 97, the front plate on the compressor is loose and just needs the new rubber snubbers to hold it in place.

 

Mechanics stethoscope. Could be the clutch.

 

100% probability that the clutch hub has separated. The flat springs have failed and the two parts are now no longer under proper tension.

Do NOT purchase the replacement hub from AutoZone, it does not properly fit the compressor. I have one on the shelf since I lost my receipt..... Buy the Motorcraft replacement.

Went through this last fall. Since the AZ part didn't work, I let it go when the weather cooled off. Then, on a dark and stormy night in November, the pulley bearing decided it was finished with the whole thing and committed suicide, locking the whole engine up. A flat-bed ride back home courtesy of AAA and a new pulley and hub ($100 from RockAuto) and it was fixed.

If in doubt, remove the hub until you can get a replacement. Just don't loose the bolt or any of the shims that are likely inside the hub or sticking to the compressor shaft's shout.

Steve

 

I noticed the other day that my truck would make a slight rattling noise with the a/c on. It isn't really loud or anything, its just loud enough that i noticed it.

Not to be ignorant but, will it be obvious to see if my clutch hub is failing also Steve? Like will i be able to feel "looseness" in the clutch?
Today i will crawl under my truck to take a look-see.

 

With the engine off, just tap on the clutch face with almost anything or just play with it by hand. If it has separated, it will be obvious.

One of the other symptoms I had noticed was a VERY loud engagement clunk/click as the clutch pulled in.

I had also observed varying degrees of noise from the clutch when it engaged, depending on how much off-center the outer hub section was when engagement occurred.

Steve