AC makes noise only when clutch engaged - Any ideas?

[scratchboat]

Given the sound and behavior described below and shown in the video - should I bother to try and replace the clutch bearing? Or just start with replacing the compressor? Any other advice - to troubleshoot or repair - welcome!

I have a 2003 Ford Ranger 3.0L V6 with factory AC - although the truck is 20+ years old, it has only 45K miles on it. And being in New England it's whole life, it's only seen sporadic use of the AC. Just noticed that although the AC functions fine & consistently blows cold air, it appears to make a high-pitched squeeking noise when the clutch is engaged and the compressor's spinning. I posted a video - watch for when the AC clutch engages (about 15 seconds into video) and listen to the noise.

2003 Ford Ranger 3.0L V6 AC Noise

 

[franklin2]

Replacing the clutch bearing won't help. The clutch bearing is working when the compressor IS NOT running. That is how the belt runs around and turns the pulley without the compressor turning.

Sounds like the compressor is a little noisy. I would run it until it gets worse than that, and then replace it. If you really care about it I suppose you could replace it now, if you are worried it will send debris through the system. But it won't be cheap unless you do it yourself.

 

[Curious Hound]

I agree. If it’s only noisy when clutch is engaged, it’s something in the compressor itself, not the clutch bearing.

 

[scratchboat]

Thanks, I'm bummed that it's the compressor since I really don't have the equipment to evacuate the system and refill it. I guess I'll ask a nearby shop what they'd charge to empty the refrigerant beforehand and then test and refill after I replace the compressor. Or I might just have to bite the bullet and pay outright for the entire job. I don't use the AC much, but I also don't want it to seize up or spread debris driving up the cost later. Is there anyway I could try to add more oil w/o opening the system - or given the chattering noise - add'l oil wouldn't help anyway?

 

[DeeRanger]

Have you checked the ac refrigerant % level. I've heard if it's low the compressor will make some noise.

 

[scratchboat]

Have you checked the ac refrigerant % level. I've heard if it's low the compressor will make some noise.

Good idea - I have a recharge kit sitting on the shelf at home; I'll give that a try when I get the truck back there in a few days.

 

[rubydist]

Make sure you use the recharge stuff that includes lubricant oil, as it may be low on lubricant.

 

[franklin2]

Have you checked the ac refrigerant % level. I've heard if it's low the compressor will make some noise.

If it's low on refrigerant, the compressor will usually short cycle and it will not cool very well.

 

[scratchboat]

Good news, recharging didn't cost much; bad news, after recharging the noise is still there. Time to take it to a shop, I guess ...

I recharged with both a small 3 ounce can of SuperTech R134a Oil Charge (oil with a bit of refrigerant) and SuperTech R134a Refrigerant (traditional AC recharge bottle), but I don't hear any difference :-(