No AC belt on Ex that has AC...

[spotdog14]

I am 90% sure that my clutch on my AC pump is going, but I don't really want to get it fixed right away because I rarely use AC and want to know if I can just get a belt for an Explorer that does not have AC and put it on mine?

Will I have any problem with this with my current setup?

Thanks!

 

[KPT]

Is it the clutch or the bearings? If its the clutch you don't need a shorter belt. It won't seize, it just won't engage the AC compressor.

 

[marragtop]

If you have the 4.0 motor, you can get a non AC belt. I'm not sure about the 5.0.

 

[spotdog14]

Is it the clutch or the bearings? If its the clutch you don't need a shorter belt. It won't seize, it just won't engage the AC compressor.

I don't know. I have been trying to figure out what has been making the noise under the hood for a while now, I have gone through two alternators, belt tensioner, and idler pulley. Usually it will squeak while under acceleration and then stop when I let my foot off the gas, but this weekend on the interstate it was squeaking up a storm and now it is constant. I do notice that it squeaks less when the clutch does not engage (like if I do not have it on defrost, etc.).

If you have the 4.0 motor, you can get a non AC belt. I'm not sure about the 5.0.

You are correct I have a 4.0.

Thank you guys for the information, I think I might unplug the electrical hookup to it (since I use floor defrost 90% of the time) and see if that improves anything, if not I am going to get a belt for a non-ac explorer.

Just out of curiosity how much do you think a shop would charge to replace the AC Compressor if I brought my own part?

 

[marragtop]

Most shops don't like you bringinig in your own parts. What you are describing sounds like it could just be the AC clutch that is bad. If so, that's a fairly minor repair compared to doing the entire compressor. I suggest calling a shop and asking them how much to diagnose and replace the clutch.

 

[spotdog14]

Most shops don't like you bringinig in your own parts. What you are describing sounds like it could just be the AC clutch that is bad. If so, that's a fairly minor repair compared to doing the entire compressor. I suggest calling a shop and asking them how much to diagnose and replace the clutch.

I did not realize that you could just have the clutch rebuilt. Thank you for that information. I will check around for quotes, but I think in the mean time I am going to get a shorter belt.

 

[BIGHVM]

It may be your water pump on its way out-- Mine did that screamed like a raped dog!
Then went on to dispense water like a severed artery...........
That was on my old 98 xlt..if its that- its not a hard job to do. Loads of posts on EF.
Good luck with that and let us know what the fault was when you sort it.

 

[spotdog14]

It may be your water pump on its way out-- Mine did that screamed like a raped dog!
Then went on to dispense water like a severed artery...........
That was on my old 98 xlt..if its that- its not a hard job to do. Loads of posts on EF.
Good luck with that and let us know what the fault was when you sort it.

Humm, interesting. How would I go about diagnosing if it is the AC Compressor or the Power Steering Pump?

 

[marragtop]

I doubt if you will find anyone willing to rebuild your AC clutch. The general practice is to replace it. It should be about $100 for the new clutch. The labor should be pretty low since it's up high and easy to get to and doesn't require evacuating the system.

 

[zonianbrat]

You could try using a car stethoscope. Or if you dont have one just get a metal rod and place it on both the ac and the power steering pump if you can access it. Just be careful not to get it caught up in the belt!!! If you have bad bearings or whatever then you should hear some nasty grinding.

 

[marragtop]

Take the belt off and spin each pulley to look for signs of noise or excessive drag. Usually when the AC starts to go, there will be signs a powder type material around the pulley/compressor.

 

[spotdog14]

Take the belt off and spin each pulley to look for signs of noise or excessive drag. Usually when the AC starts to go, there will be signs a powder type material around the pulley/compressor.

Alright I take it all back, I did this last night and how much noise should the alternator make?

This is the third alternator I have had now, I am not sure if that is it but am not sure.

The ac compressor surprisingly does not make any noise when I spin it and spins fairly well, the power steering pump spins alright, but the alternator kind of clicks.... I don't know....