A/C Compressor

[AndyR]

Hi All,

I have '96 FZJ80, 77K miles.

Recently noticed a ticking/tapping noise, that began all at once (i.e., drove to the store, no noise...started her up, the ticking noise was there.)

The noise follows the engine speed, I looked and noticed my a/c drive belt was frayed, and seems a bit wobbly when engine is running.

When I turn on the a/c, the compressor makes a gawd-awful metallic racket .

Questions:

1) Is there a definitive way to tell if this is the magnet clutch or the compressor proper and/or bearings that is failing?

2) How long can I drive with the a/c drive belt removed? Like maybe 5-6 months? Any negative implications of doing this?

3) When purchasing a new or reman. compressor, is the clutch assembly included?


Thanks in advance for any info!

Andy

 

[Scamper]

If you can actually see the pulley wobbling, then it's likely just that. Get a replacement from Dan, slap it on, and put a new belt on, and you should be good to go.

 

[John E Davies]

If the pully wobbles when the compressor is not turning, the clutch bearing has failed.

If it wobbles when the compressor is turning, a compressor shaft bearing has failed.

When the clutch is electrically locked up there should be no play in the pulley itself, even if its bearing is loose. I suspect that you have a bad compressor if it is making horrible noises - it has probably seized through lubrication failure.

Has the system ever lost its charge? Is there any sort of recent service history?

You can drive a long time without the belt, but prolonged exposure of the system to air is hard on it. If the compressor is indeed toast, then I wouldn't worry too much about any other components being damaged by disuse. You will need a reman compressor with clutch, an expansion valve, and a receiver/ dryer. Also the system will have to be flushed with solvent to remove the black cr@p that accumulates when the compressor fails - it ends up being pumped downstream and contaminating all the other parts.

Now would also be the time to redo the receiver/ dryer to get it tucked up and out of the way, so when you install that ARB it won't hang down and get smacked by a rock or coyote. Use a shorter unit (research the archives).

Good luck. At least the freon is relatively cheap..... the cost of the old R-12 is up there with gold by now.

Many ac specialy shops will take a free or low cost look at the truck and give you a bid for repairs. Why not call around? DON'T take it to the dealer!

John Davies
Spokane WA.

 

[AndyR]

Thanks for the replies.

I, too, suspect the compressor has failed due to the horrible noise it now makes.

I've never had the a/c serviced, and have no maintenance records on the truck, but the a/c was blowing cold as of last week.

I have a great Cruiser mechanic who runs a mom n' pop repair shop...I'll talk it over with him.

Thanks for the detailed parts list, John.



Andy

 

[Tools R Us]

The most common part to fail is the bearing in the clutch, if you catch the failure quickly just the bearing can be replaced. If allowed to run too long it will ruin the snout on the compressor, if this is the failure cut or remove the belt ASAP. IIRC the bearing isn't serviced by Toyota, only the complete clutch, but it is available from bearing houses. The clutch can be removed without discharging the system.

 

[Rookie2]

The clutch can be removed without discharging the system.

If you're removing the magnetic clutch, I think you'll find it much easier if you unbolt the compressor. Given, i didn't have the right snap ring pliers for the job... the snap ring was a pain to get off with the compressor in place.

The remaned compressor I purchased did come with the magnet clutch already on. Some do, some don't and it's a pricey item so be sure you know what your getting.

As a side note, not sure if it really does have much affect, but with the compressor belt off I seem to be getting about 1 mpg better gas mileage. May just be in my head.


Rookie2

 

[AndyR]

Great info, guys.

I'll pull the clutch and see what's up.

Thanks again!



Andy

 

[bluto]

Mech Newb here. I have a similar problem as AndyR or can it be worse?
Sorry if its been answered - just what to ask again and not assume.

A rundown on my AC compressor problem:

My AC compressor belt wobbles when the AC is turned on and makes a noise similar to an ice block being shaved but more pronounced. No metallic racket.
And also has a burnt smell when the AC is turned on - can't smell it from the inside of the truck though. Does not smell burnt when AC compressor is off.

AC is cold inside the cabin.

The AC compressor belt does not wobble when the AC is not turned on.

1. So, am I looking at what John E Davis suggestion:

"You will need a reman compressor with clutch, an expansion valve, and a receiver/ dryer. Also the system will have to be flushed with solvent to remove the black cr@p that accumulates when the compressor fails - it ends up being pumped downstream and contaminating all the other parts."

Or if Im lucky - the minimal parts I can replace is what?

2. Am I able to still drive the vehicle if I dont use the AC?

Thanks in advance.

 

[AndyR]

"2. Am I able to still drive the vehicle if I dont use the AC?"

As others have said, if you remove the belt you can drive it.

Then follow Tools R Us advice to check the clutch bearing.

I removed my belt last night, and it had about a 8" section of the teeth missing.

I don't know yet whether the clutch or compressor seized, causing the belt to fail, or if the belt failed then put uneven force on the compressor/clutch, causing a failure in one of those components.

But it explains why the belt seemed wobbly.

Guess I'll be checking my belts more frequently.

Andy

 

[bluto]

Thanks Andy.

 

[TOY350]

Bumping this thread up since I experienced this yesterday. With A/C off the compressor spins smooth and silently. With A/C on the pulley wobbles and there is a loud rythmic thumping. The A/C system was serviced 15 months/4K miles ago before I got it, but I don't know what the service was.

Sounds like my clutch bearing is fine but a compressor shaft bearing has failed according to John Davies post. Is the shaft bearing servicable without tearing the whole compressor apart? How do I make sure of which bearing has actually failed and can I do that with the compressor still on the rig?

 

[DTAYLOR]

Hi All,

I have '96 FZJ80, 77K miles.

Recently noticed a ticking/tapping noise, that began all at once (i.e., drove to the store, no noise...started her up, the ticking noise was there.)

The noise follows the engine speed, I looked and noticed my a/c drive belt was frayed, and seems a bit wobbly when engine is running.

Andy,

This sounds serious! Thank God you got to us in time to save the rig.

I recommend you send the entire truck to me down here in Texas so as to save it from a rusty grave, and so it will live happily ever after.

DTaylor

 

[CJF]

Is the shaft bearing servicable without tearing the whole compressor apart?

Pretty sure, but not positive, that the answer is no. Search past a/c threads; I think you'd need a new or at least rebuilt compressor.

How do I make sure of which bearing has actually failed and can I do that with the compressor still on the rig?

Pull the belt off and feel around down there. Should be obvious whether the the pulley bearing is worn/wobbling on the shaft or the shaft bearing is worn/wobbling in the compressor.

Hey! It was cold and rainy here yesterday; why'd you have your a/c on? Was it for defogging? I myself was doing that yesterday: A/C on, temp on high, vents on re-circulate; works great!

Good luck,

Curtis
91FJ80
Medford, OR

 

[TOY350]

Thanks for the input Curtis, had the A/C on while defogging. Was doing some shooting up on Holcomb peak.

I think I will be getting a compressor from CDan once I troubleshoot mine tonight.

Need to sell my 60 to afford my 80