There is a ching-changling sound that's been coming from the front of the AC compressor. The air works great and is very cold. The noise is very apparent from outside the vehicle. What do you think it is: AC Clutch etc. If so can it be fixed w/o opening the system. It's been doing this for about 2-3 years now. Easy fix or full out AC comp. replacement?

Thanks.

 

Inspect/replace the clutch hub as needed. Easy repair as long as you don't let it fail too far.

 

Sounds like the bearing,, replace it before it starts jamming up. I didn't and it ended up stoping the truck from starting. You can replace it with out opening up the system. I was able to just replace the bearing but it has to be pressed out.

 

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt, and the AAA flatbed ride home for waiting too long - that is, until the wobbling hub also took out the pulley bearing.

Remove the serpentine belt and the hub, check the pulley bearings to be sure.

Replacing the hub or the pulley doesn't require any bearing pressing.

 

That sound like good advice, the kind I was hoping to hear. So does the hub unbolt, or do I have to use a puller? And basically your saying it'd be a good idea to replace everything outside the pump on the end of the pump shaft? I had already replaced the tensioner, the belt and associated idler pulleys 2 years ago.

The other noises are an exhaust manifold leak and a collapsed lifter tinging away, especially under throttle load. Once I get rid these three noises, I'll have a better idea of the condition of the motor. I've heard that piston slap is or can be present in these motors. I can't imagine that being the case since these sound have been there for the last 20,000 miles. I would think that an engine with such excessive piston cylinder wall clearance problems would have seized long ago? How could an engine run with such slop. It must have something to do with the shorter skirted pistons used these days?

 

Darn I didn't get a T shirt but got the AAA flat bed ride back to the cottage. Local parts place didn't have a new hub but they had the bearing in stock so they just installed it in the hub for me. Saved me a few bucks also...

 

After looking up some parts and reading this: http://www.4s.com/Upload/Four%20Seas...S%20CLUTCH.PDF
I wonder if I should just replace the whole AC pump unit with the high miles I have on it? Wouldn't that be a better way to go before the summer heat gets here? Then get the whole system flushed and checked out at the dealership?

 

The idea of replacing the whole thing is open for a debate. I replaced the hub and pulley on mine and it was still doing fine after 5 years when my nephew finally sold the hand-me-down truck. YMMV.

The hub has one bolt. The pulley is held on with a snap ring and can then be pried off carefully with two big screwdrivers.

 

Put it this way. We bought the truck in 2005. The AC has been ice cold and has never been serviced at all. Isn't AC service a regular serving item. Up here in northern MN we only need it during late June, July, Aug and some of Sept. But it's an absolute necessity to have being the cool and cold weather creatures we are. If it never got above 65 degs. I'd be a life long happy camper!!! The clutch assembly is $112.00 + tax and shipping. A new AC compressor is only $100 more plus the servicing of the whole system that may have some issues I'm not aware of, it's still cold. And if that pump is dragging, it may be costing us gas milage which no one can afford these days. I suppose I could try replacing the whole clutch assembly for now even though it may cost me more down the road?

 

Seems like you are on track, but does it make noise engaged or disengaged?

Engaged (clutch turning): compressor noise the bearing in the clutch is doing nothing, it is locked

Disengaged (not turning): clutch noise

 

What about taking the clutch apart and cleaning it out, mines full of bits of rust...you may try popping off the belt and inspecting it then you may get a better feel of what's going on with it, if it feels sloppy or whatever.IMHO I've priced clutches and compressors,and the price difference for piece o mind is nominal, of course it wont be Motorcraft,unless you goto a salvage yard(I dunno how good it would be after sitting etc.) and this time of year a lot of shops are running A/C specials for pumping down and a recharge, after you change the compressor.....My .02 FWIW

 

No. It is a sealed system and should require no regular service unless there is a leak or other repair needed. However, since it's a Ford and uses spring-lock connectors, it probably will need service eventually. Of all the Fords I've owned in the last twenty years, only my 98 Conturd has never been opened or recharged.

Ya know, until you get in there and inspect it so you actually KNOW what is wrong, there's not much point in debating all the possibilities.

 

Well, if the compressor is bad, it would not be pumping out cold air right? After doing some reading installing a new pump would entail evacuating down the system, installing a new accumulator and orifice tube and all the service necessary to to make the system work properly, like $500.00 at the dealer right. As of last fall the clutch was engaging and disengaging, noisily though and seemingly sporadically from what I could visually see while the engine was running. If the clutch bearing had locked up it would just keep the pump running all the time? If the pump locked up, well that would be quite evident smoking the new belt and stopping the engine right? It seems to be one of those in for a penny deals. If the "chingalinging noise" was coming out of the compressor and not the clutch then the system would probably be open with no cold air, compressor bearings, seals, and pistons all fried or going bad. With the engine off and the clutch removed, I should be able to turn the compressor over and feel if it's loose inside and the seal would be leaking right. Buying the clutch, installing it, seeing if that quiets things down. If not will the parts store take back the clutch in exchange for a whole new compressor assembly. I'm just trying to get some idea based on your guys experience with Ford truck AC systems for this 98' yr. model. I just don't want to spend money twice, that's all. If it's not the clutch then it''s off to the dealership I guess?

 

On mine 2002 4.6L it would make noise on start up at first but then quiet down,, then it started jamming on start up but would free it's self and allow the truck to crank,, then it jammed really good and melted the belt.. By this time half the ball bearings had already fallen out of the bearing I think.

. My A/C had not worked in years and still doesn't..But the power windows do. In my case I maybe should of gone with a new A/C pump and used my A/C vacuum pump and then tried a dirty recharge after getting back home.. I wasn't about to pay big money just to get A/C working up there.. But needed the truck fixed so I could drive home from cottage. If I remember right the new bearing cost me around $30 bucks..

 

Most parts stores have a no return if installed on electrical parts. Just the mechanical part, ya probably. Just ask them. A bad compressor may blow hot air yes, but if it isn't engaged obviosly it will too...