I was wondering if you could replace just the a/c clutch, or if i'll have to replace the whole compressor. It's been squeaking the past couple of days and it's driving me crazy. I don't know much about them but i know that's where it's at..maybe a bad bearing?

-Tripp

 

It's winter ...Why are you running A/C ?

Yes the clutch itself can be replaced.
Are you sure it's not the dreaded belt squeal that is common on Rangers?

 

well, a/c or heater, it's all the same unit, connected to the same pulley correct? no it's not that same squeal, trust me i've experienced that one but this is new and sounds like a squeal/slight grind mix.

 

In a nutshell...no
The A/C unit comes on in all modes but floor and floor/vent.This keeps the compressor lubed and moisture from buiding up in the system.
If you have just the floor vents selected,does it still squeal?
If so it is either the tensioner or idler pulley bearings.

 

no it squeels all the time, and doesn't change with a/c, vents, floor, nothing. it's just coming from that specific pulley so i figured it's a bearing if it's doing it all the time.

 

Pull the belt off and spin the pulleys by hand and see if you feel and grinding/rough spots.

 

i'll have to do that tomorrow and see what i can come up with. too damn cold tonight, but i appreciate the help.

 

too damn cold tonight
You're in Arkansas
You want cold , come'on up here. It's 18 now.Just right for working up a sweat.
j/k

When you take the belt off ,work the tensioner up and down a few times to make sure it's not sticking.They tend to get junk built up in the spring.

 

mid 20's down here, and 10-15mph winds. will do, i've got a pretty good fealing it's mud or dirt considering my engine bay is covered, but i've lubed up all the pulleys and tried to get all the area as clean as possible and it's still squealing.

 

Run it with the belt off for a 1/2 minute.

Could be the dreaded CMP.

Yes, the air conditioner clutch can be replaced. USUALLY needs a puller. AC shops do it all the time without de-servicing the refrigerant.

I'd try a new belt first.

 

don't know about that.....unless the 3.0 and 4.0 compressors are different.....i changed my clutch and pulley on my 4.0 compressor without having to use any pullers.....1 bolt in the center of the assembly held the whole assembly on.....now i had to use a screw driver to pry a little to get the clutch off, but the pulley practically fell off.....

 

What's the dreaded CMP????

 

Camshaft Position Sensor.

Cliff's Notes:

located where the 3.0 distributor "used" to be.

Its gear at the bottom goes bad, takes the oil pump drive away with it, no oil pressure=new motor.


I should have explained earlier, if you REMOVE the belt and start it for a SHORT time and STILL hear the squeak, it may be the CMP.

More info here: http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...d.php?t=203433

 

yep only one bold in the middle. haven't run the belt off yet, and i'm sure the new coat of brown i put on it today sure as hell doesn't help. but the belt is only about 7 months old, no dry rot or cracks or anything.

 

Wouldn't it be better to use an mechanics stethoscope to locate the source of the squeal?

The old distributors had a metal gear on them. Did Ford go to a plastic gear when they got rid of the distributor and went to the cam pos. sensor??

 

Had this exact problem today.I had a bad sqeak.Replaced belt,tensioner and pulley.It still sqeaked.Replaced cam position sensor.Fixed.Nice and quiet.