Compressor clutch issues. Video included!

[twonole]

Here's a vid of the problem. I;m pretty sure it's the clutch, but there is a funny noise fromt he compressor/clutch too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4ksUx6xS9w

 

[kimcrwbr1]

The compressor has a elecrtro magnet that pulls the clutch in to spin the compressor and the noise is probabl a dry bearing. you can possibly take the front of the compressor apart still in the truck and grease or replace the bering if you can get it apart and the clutch plate is probably just sticking. did you pull the connector off the clutch and check for corrosion. I believe they are sealed bearings one for the pully and the other is the shaft for the compressor maybe get a cheap compressor from the bone yard and see how it comes apart and use the parts off of it to fix it. The electro magnet might be gettin weak also. Just a suggestion

 

[twonole]

Thanks for the info, I'll try pulling the assembly apart and see if I can lube it or something. I just pray to god it's not the black death. I can't afford a new a/c system for the truck right now and it's unbearable in this Florida heat without it.

 

[twonole]

Well today I got some time to play with the a/c some. The noise has gone away and the bearing seems to be fine. The clutch is still temperamental though. I lubed the crap out of it and it's working more often, but still will need the poke of the stick from time to time at idle. When I drive it hard or keep it above 3000rpm the a/c will stay on. Hopefully this week after finals I'll be able to make a trip to the salvage yard and maybe pull a clutch for the ac for maybe $20. Just wondering could it be the relay not supplying enough power or something like that? I ask because it seems to happen after the truck is fully warmed up and I know when electronics/wiring get hot they loose the ability to conduct properly.