AC Compressor

[Maree74]

1997 4.0 SOHC Explorer (in UK) 40,000mls.
The clutch on the AC compressor makes a loud noise when it engages/disengages, like two bits of steel banging together! Does anyone know if this is normal or is it a sign of an impending problem??
Thanks

 

[donalds]

Just a loud click is okay but a grinding sound needs clutch replacement

 

[FordFlintrock]

With feeler gauges measure the air gap between pulley and clutch.

 

[Pete Deering]

1997 4.0 SOHC Explorer (in UK) 40,000mls.
The clutch on the AC compressor makes a loud noise when it engages/disengages, like two bits of steel banging together! Does anyone know if this is normal or is it a sign of an impending problem??
Thanks

No, it not normal.
1. Gasp the pulley (12&6 and then 9&3) and move it side to side.
Does it move? If yes the bearing is bad.
2. If no, is the noise coming from the compressor?

 

[Maree74]

Th

Just a loud click is okay but a grinding sound needs clutch replacement

Thanks - donalds. It is a loud click. No grinding noise...

 

[donalds]

They all make a click sound from day 1 as the gap gets bigger the click gets louder if it's not grinding it's fine just clicks and engages that's normal I hear it all the time
If you want it back at a factory spot then go ahead and gap it But you'll have to buy some spacers

 

[Maree74]

With feeler gauges measure the air gap between pulley and clutch.

Thanks, Do you know what the tolerance is ?

 

[FordFlintrock]

.018-.033 inch from my sources.