A/C Clutch (grinding noise) - Opinions

[boggsie]

Well,

I've found all of the threads here to be a very good source for ideas and I appreciate all of the experts offering their opinions.

I have 2001 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0 w/ AWD - 147k miles.

On the way to work today, I felt a vibration or shudder, followed by a period of no cold air from the A/C vents. After a few minutes, cold air returned, but it also included what almost seemed like an electrical burning smell. At this point I still had very cold air, but I felt that turning off the A/C was a good idea.

When I got to work I pop-ed the hood and started the motor. Sure enough, a really bad grinding noise coming from the A/C clutch. If I turn the A/C on, the grinding goes away and I still get cold air. I am sold on the clutch being the culprit. Don't hesitate to offer an opinion otherwise.

It seems to me that I have three options.

1) Try to replace the clutch with the compressor on the car.
2) Remove the compressor and install a new one and take it to get evacuated and recharged.
3) Remove the compressor and install a bypass pulley.
4) Drop it off at the dealer and have them fix it.

Ok, I just did upper control arms, front wheel and rear (outer) axle bearings so money is extremely tight right now, which is why I throw in #3 ... go without A/C until I can get it fixed.

So, the biggest obstacle with #2 & #3 are that the system is still pushing really cold air, so it obviously still has refrigerant in the system. I understand that evacuating a pressurized system to open air is a) illegal and b) highly dangerous.

Well, that is my story.

What do you feel that I should do? Again, considering that $$ is _really_ tight right now.

Thanks!

Best regards,
-boggsie

 

[mikey976]

well from personal experience id highly suggest you keep a 3/8 ratchet and a non a/c belt with you. for self protection. same thing happened to me and luckily i was a block away from work at the local 7-11 when the belt got too hot and snapped.

seems i burned out the bearings on the clutch and was rubbing metal on metal

 

[boggsie]

Hey thanks for the suggestion ... unfortunately, the setup won't let me pop-in a non-AC belt. If you bypass the A/C you can't engage the belt tensioner. In fact, I am told that there is an OEM non-AC pulley ... but I'm not sure about that.

At any rate, ny God's grace, I'll get it taken care of this weekend. A buddy of mine does industrial A/C work and is going to come over with his hoses and gagues, etc. and he is going to help me to purge the coolant into a catch-tank so that I can install the non-AC pulley.

 

[mikey976]

well im not entirely sure cause i have a 4.0 ohv and thats what i did is i bought a non a/c serp belt costs 9 buck, but your an 01 which i think is still 2nd gen and might be different if you have a sohc i dont kno the layout of the newer engine bays but it looks like mine chances are you can have options, im pullin my a/c clucth as we speak currently fiddling with the snap ring.

 

[boggsie]

well im not entirely sure cause i have a 4.0 ohv and thats what i did is i bought a non a/c serp belt costs 9 buck, but your an 01 which i think is still 2nd gen and might be different if you have a sohc i dont kno the layout of the newer engine bays but it looks like mine chances are you can have options, im pullin my a/c clucth as we speak currently fiddling with the snap ring.

5.0 ohv ...

 

[mikey976]

yea that would be nice difference, owell replaced the clutch on it turns out the compressor is shot and semi ate the new clutch hopefully i can get my money back on it

 

[greendream]

Hey guys, I have a 99 4.0 SOHC. Can I pull off my clutch and put in a replacement. My clutch is engaging and disengaging when the A/C is turned on but when it is off, the belt is just sliding over a non moving clutch. I think I can bypass the A/C clutch but I'm not sure where to find a belt to fit.

A ford dealer told me they only have serpentine w/ac, as well as general parts stores.