Mech. problem with 2000 GT

Hey guys. First a background on the car... '00 GT 5spd with exhaust and a k&n, 5 spd w/ about 47k miles. Belt was changed to a gatorback recently as well

I have the following issue. My car seems to shutter a bit at idle and kind of makes a squeaking sound at the front right of the engine. Also, the clunking/squeaking is alot more noticeable when the RPM's drop and like when i move in 1st or reverse and don't give the car enough gas forcing the rpm's to drop low. I also notice it alot when i turn the car off. It clunks and shutters to a stop when shut off. Does this sounds like a a/c clutch and pulley issue? I thought it might be since its from that area but didnt think it would have that much of an affect. I can sort of feel the same thing at highway speeds through the gas pedal and can tell its coming from the front.
Additional info... The a/c makes a sort of very quiet chirping noise when turned on so i know i need a new A/C Clutch, just don't know if this is causing this as well. The belt, belt tensioner and pulley have been replaced and the issue continued.

Hoping svttech, killy, or 4u2nv can chime in and help me out on this. IF ya'll have any more questions, lemme know

BTW, my dad's buddy happens to have a wrecked 99+ v6 at his shop and i wanted to know if the a/c clutch and pulley is the same on the 3.8 as the 4.6? Already taking the brake light and v6 rims for some DR's hehe

Thanks in advance for the help guys and gals

Kilgore Trout said:

Well there is some normal "clunk" in the drivetrain.

When you replaced the tensioner and pully did you also replace the other idler pully?

One more thing, I am not even in the same class as SVTTech... He is an actual Ford tech. I am an IT professional that has a Mustang hobby and severe Mustang addiction

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Yea idler pulley was changed. Maybe its motor mounts?

BUMP, anyone have a clue?

svttech76 said:

sounds like you have a a/c pulley and clutch seizing up on you. Listen to make sure the noise is coming from there and if the chirping is then replace these parts.


1. a/c clutch

2. a/c pulley

3. a/c coil ( mounted behind the pulley)

The install of these parts is easy, you don't even have to drain the A/C.. First you remove the center bolt from the a/c clutch it's a 8mm on most fords. then pull the clutch off. then remove the serp belt and remove the snap ring and remove the pulley. then knock the a/c coil off.

to install

Tap the a/c coil on with a rubber hammer ( this can be kind of difficult in the car) then you install the pulley and the snap ring. After that you have to shim the a/c clutch. this is very easy and can be done with a match book

first use the medium sized shim and install the clutch onto the a/c compressor hub. using the matchbook cover slide it between the pulley and the clutch. it should go in and pull out with a slight drag. Try different shims until you get this to happen. Then install the bolt, serp belt and call it a day.

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Hmm, would you happen to know if the part is the same on a v6 mustang of the same year? Also, i know im asking alot, but would you happen to know how much i should expect to pay for this?

BUMP BUMP BUMP

svttech76, i just realized that when i push the clutch in the sound goes away. So does that means its just my clutch chattering and wearing out or could it still be the a/c clutch and pulley issue?

TTT