A/C Compressor
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New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
A/C Compressor
I have a 97' XLT 3.0L 4x2 that I have been running without problems for the last seven years. I am now hearing a pulsating chirp when I start the truck in the mornings. It doesn't happen all the time and but it does happen every time it rains. The noise gets faster as I accelerate and slows as I let off the gas. After running the truck for a few minutes I never hear it again until the truck sits over night then I get a repeat the next morning. It sounds like the noise is coming from the A/C compressor but the A/C clutch kicks on and the A/C works fine. Could it be a bearing in the compressor going bad?? Any thoughts on this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
A few more things to consider:
1) Dirt accumulation in the grooves of the belt and/or pulleys.
2) The bearing on the idler pulley is on it's way out.
3) Slight chance another bearing on an accessory is beginning to fail.
#1 and #2 are easy to repair. Don't worry about #3 until the easy things have been inspected. To pinpoint the noise source, you can use a long screwdriver. Place the blade against a component (such at the A/C compressor) and, while making sure your hair doesn't get caught in the belt, place your ear against the handle of the screwdriver. It should be quite easy to identify the failing component. You can also remove the belt and spin the pulleys; a bearing going out on the idler will make itself known during this test.
1) Dirt accumulation in the grooves of the belt and/or pulleys.
2) The bearing on the idler pulley is on it's way out.
3) Slight chance another bearing on an accessory is beginning to fail.
#1 and #2 are easy to repair. Don't worry about #3 until the easy things have been inspected. To pinpoint the noise source, you can use a long screwdriver. Place the blade against a component (such at the A/C compressor) and, while making sure your hair doesn't get caught in the belt, place your ear against the handle of the screwdriver. It should be quite easy to identify the failing component. You can also remove the belt and spin the pulleys; a bearing going out on the idler will make itself known during this test.
