Horrible noise...bad AC clutch?

[Acheron315]

My car sounds normal and runs fine, but when the AC is turned on a horrible screeching noise emits from the engine bay. It is so loud that I am having trouble narrowing down the source. It sounds like metal on metal, and is EXTERMELY loud! It also causes the engine to stumble at idle. Does this sounds like a bad AC clutch? I have narrowed down almost everything else, and the noise only happens with AC on. How much does a new clutch unit cost?

Thanks!

 

[Go HoTO!]

This happend to my Subrban twice. Your AC is most likely totally toast if it is how you describe. My AC Clutch went bad due to a blockage in the system that resulted in compressor failure. Hopefully, you will be more lucky.

 

[Acheron315]

Yeesh that sounds time consuming/ expensive to fix. I was hoping it would just be the clutch

 

[streetstang03]

just got mine done yesterday cost me $987 to get a whole new compressor. my a/c clutch was burning up and trashed the shaft of the compressor. the clutch itself was hanging off by only 1 bolt!!! if ur clutch pulley is a red color, get ready...ur screwed. say goodbye to $1000!!!! (if u get all new parts)

 

[Acheron315]

if ur clutch pulley is a red color, get ready

What exactly is red on the pulley, and how is this an indicator of ac clutch life?

 

[streetstang03]

What exactly is red on the pulley, and how is this an indicator of ac clutch life?

the whole pully and clutch will look like its a rusted color. it turns that color due to the heat from it burning up. my pulley and clutch actually started to smoke the other day while i was driving to my g/f's house. i smelt this burning rubber smell and when i got to her house, smoke was coming out from under the hood. when i popped the hood, the clutch was smoking bad. too it to the shop the next day, which was yesterday.

 

[COramprat]

Mine is making a rattling noise when the AC is off and the pulley turns hurky jerky. When I turn the AC on it goes away. I believe mine is on it's last leg also.

 

[streetstang03]

Mine is making a rattling noise when the AC is off and the pulley turns hurky jerky. When I turn the AC on it goes away. I believe mine is on it's last leg also.

get ready to shell out some $$$$$$

 

[COramprat]

get ready to shell out some $$$$$$

I'll just find one in a junkyard and do it myself.

 

[Acheron315]

I'll just find one in a junkyard and do it myself.

I was just thinking that...looking at stangparts.com right now Only $90.00 used! http://www.stangparts.com/products/partpic.cfm?TypeID=5&ID=2636&Page=1&ShowSpecials=FALSE

I would much rather do that then trust the dealer with my car out of my sight.

 

[streetstang03]

i was considering using a rebuilt part, but the compressor will leak easier and wont hold up very long. everyone i talked to said it was better to use new Motorcraft parts since they will last longer and wont crap out anytime soon. plus, this way i got a warranty on all the parts and labor ( i didnt take it to a dealer either. took it to a shop some local stangers recommended ). the if ur replacing the compressor, ur going to have to have freon put back into the system as well. mine was in really really bad shape, so urs might not be as bad as mine was. so, hopefully it will be cheaper for u!!! LOL