Hey guys I'm new to the forum. My wife has a 2010 Explorer 4.0 with 46000 miles on it. Yesterday the compressor started making a grinding noise when you turn the defrost on. It's only when the clutch kicks in. I'm hoping its something simple but, I fear its not. Please help. Let me know what ya think. Thanks in advance!

 

Cmon guys I need some help here

 

With the engine off (obviously) turn the compressor clutch by hand and see how it feels. It should be somewhat tight, but smooth. If it feels rough or binds, then likely it is torn up. Recovering the refrigerant, removing the lines, and inspecting for debris would be the next step.

If the compressor really is failing, then disconnect the connector for the clutch. If you keep driving it, eventually the compressor will seize, the clutch will fail, and the belt will come off.

 

Ok, thanks for the response! Is the compressor hard to replace. Also the truck threw a p0128 code for the thermostat today. Think these are related?

 

When the compressor is off, the pulley is free wheeling on the bearing. IF you engage and it makes a noise, you have one of two problems. Either the lockup plate on the clutch is chattering, or you have an internal compressor problem. To replace the compressor, you have to get the gas out. Afterwards, you have to pull a vacuum and put gas back in. THis is normally not a home project.

 

You can also pull the wire plug off the compressor for a month or two and dont have to fix the problem till summer.

 

Steve, I'm pretty sure its internal. When you engage it, it sounds like its gonna explode. I really can't afford to pay a shop to fix it. It looks like the compressor alone is about 500. I don't know what to do. It's fairly straight forward to change I'm jusy

 

Steve, I'm pretty sure its internal. When you engage it, it sounds like its gonna explode. I really can't afford to pay a shop to fix it. It looks like the compressor alone is about 500. I don't know what to do. It's fairly straight forward to change I'm just not sure about getting the gas in and out

 

theoretically you need an evacuation unit to pull the gas out. A dealer or professional mechanic can get in trouble by leaking the gas out to atmosphere and not recycling it.. If you get rid of the gas and change out the compressor, you will need to go to a shop and have them pull a vacuum, then put new gas back in. Check with the local shop and they can tell you what it would cost to put new gas in, after you change out the pump.