AC Compressor Clicking
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
A new Motorcraft pulley is about $80 from Rockauto. You're going to spend 5x (or more ) that if you have the compressor replaced. Unless there's an actual problem identified with the compressor, there's no need to open up the sealed system.
But hey, it's your money....
But hey, it's your money....
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,316
Likes: 5,127
From: 0,0,1
Do it from under the truck, the compressor is more readily accessible from down there. If you want even more room then remove the radiator. A couple of gallons of antifreeze is a lot less than having the A/C system recharged.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Washington
I have been looking around the internet trying to figure out how this goes together. Tell me if this sounds right.
1: Pull the Hub retaining bolt in the center.
2: Pull the AC clutch.
3: Pull the shims.
4: Pull the Snap ring.
5: Remove the AC clutch Pulley.
6: Put back together in reverse order.
7: Adjust air gap to .014 to .033in.
8: Tighten Hub retaing bolt to 9-10lb/ft with blue loc tite.
Does the AC Clutch pulley come with the bearing? My compressor doesn't turn on. Is that because my air gap is off?
1: Pull the Hub retaining bolt in the center.
2: Pull the AC clutch.
3: Pull the shims.
4: Pull the Snap ring.
5: Remove the AC clutch Pulley.
6: Put back together in reverse order.
7: Adjust air gap to .014 to .033in.
8: Tighten Hub retaing bolt to 9-10lb/ft with blue loc tite.
Does the AC Clutch pulley come with the bearing? My compressor doesn't turn on. Is that because my air gap is off?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,316
Likes: 5,127
From: 0,0,1
You can buy just the bearing.
Connect a voltmeter to the 2 wires going to the compressor, if it shows 12 volts with the A/C system on then either the A/C clutch coil is bad or the air gap is too wide.
(See attached PDF.)
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
Just a note. If you are only replacing the pulley or are removing it to replace the pulley bearing, it can usually be done without removing the compressor from the vehicle. The shop manual procedure alloro posted is for the coil and pulley.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Washington
I have removed the AC Clutch and Spacer. I can't get the snap ring off. I might need to remove the radiator to give me enough room to work. I noticed some oil on the back edge of the pulley. Any idea what this means?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Washington
I can't get enough room to get the snap ring pliers in there. Anybody have any tips. I'm wondering if unbolting the compressor would get me the room I need. Removing the radiator looks like a pain. I don't know how the transmission coolant lines would come off.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Washington
I have tried both straight, 90 and 45 degree pliers. I can't get the snap ring off. I doesn't get enough clearance when when I have the pliers all the way open. I turn the pulley the snap ring gets covered up partially. I wondering if the worn bearing is making this near impossible.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Washington
I finally got the snap ring off. I had to remove the radiator and shroud. I was still difficult. I now have the pulley off. The coil looks pretty nasty. I'm not sure if I should replace it also. I'm not sure how I can add pics.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Washington
It looks like the bearing failure damaged my coil. I can see the copper wires have been mangled. I don't think they should be exposed by the looks of the replacement pics. Any tips on removing the coil? It doesn't look like there's much to grab onto with a puller.