- Joined
- November 29, 2000
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- USA
- City, State
- San Diego, PRofK
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1994 XLT
It could be something not the AC compressor, but the noise only happens when the AC is on. The AC compressor puts more strain on the belt, which in turn puts more strain on all the components run by that belt. If you remove the belt you should be able to check by wiggling the individual components. It there is anymore than a tiny amount of play, they need to be replaced.
You can also get a piece of tubing, put one end to your ear, and carefully touch the other end to the body of the alternator, AC compressor, power steering pump, to see if one of them is making the noise. Do not touch it to pulleys while they are moving, obviously. You can get close to the pulleys to listen this way too. It's a old school mechanic trick. I have an old stethoscope from my EMT days I use for this with the bell removed.
You can also get a piece of tubing, put one end to your ear, and carefully touch the other end to the body of the alternator, AC compressor, power steering pump, to see if one of them is making the noise. Do not touch it to pulleys while they are moving, obviously. You can get close to the pulleys to listen this way too. It's a old school mechanic trick. I have an old stethoscope from my EMT days I use for this with the bell removed.