A/C compressor problem or clutch

[posmindset]

I'm hearing something that sounds like it's bouncing randomly around when i engage the air conditioner (sounds like shaking a rock in a sealed plastic bowl)

also....every once and awhile when i turn it on a hear something that sounds like clutch slippage for a split second and i can feel a slight vibration for that moment as well.

When i turn off the engine, I'm hearing a slight hiss from around the compressor.

What is this?

Is this the AC compressor going out or the clutch going bad or both?

that slippage is getting more frequent

Ideas as to what this is and how I can fix are appreciated?

2002 Ford explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6l v8 190k miles

 

[2Trux]

The hiss is not a problem, it's just the pressure equalizing in the system. The rock sound when the a/c is engaged is probably the compressor ready to grenade. The bad compressor is probably causing the clutch slippage.

 

[posmindset]

thanks 2Trux,

Yeah, I'll check into replacing the compressor.

 

[imp]

thanks 2Trux,

Yeah, I'll check into replacing the compressor.

@posmindset

You can check by hand the rotational "feel" of the compressor by grasping the small, angled "tie-bars" on the front of the compressor, in front of the pulley. If the shaft turns smoothly, no rough "feel" or binding, the compressor is likely OK. Do this after things have cooled down and pressures have equalized. imp