AC Clutch or Compressor

[freshspecbluegt]

Grinding/Squealing noise when AC clutch engages. I can't pull the belt to check for a week, so I thought that I could post a vid and tap the 'Mud knowledge base.

I'm thinking (hoping) it's the clutch , more of a slipping sound and it looks like the pulley spins slower than the belt. What say you?

 

[freshspecbluegt]

Also AC is not blowing cold

Not sure what I am looking for in the sight glass to know if it lost coolant

 

[1972FJ55]

Since it only happens when the A/C is on, probably time for a new compressor and drier.

 

[freshspecbluegt]

Damn that's what I feared and your the guy to confirm it for me.

Thanks

Torn on whether or not to tackle this myself. I'll get a quote and go from there.

 

[77cruiser]

Literally the identical prob I had start today as well. Was getting on mud to see if I could find answer.
Thanks!

 

[BrotherRob]

It sounds like a clutch but if you keep running it you'll damage the compressor. Kill the AC and cut off the belt if you can. It might save you from having to replace the whole mofo.

 

[medtro]

I would check the idler bearing first.

 

[BrotherRob]

I would check the idler bearing first.

Good point. I don't have an idler so I got to skip that step.

 

[medtro]

Good point. I don't have an idler so I got to skip that step.

Pretty sure you have one for the AC. The one you don't have is likely for alternator.

 

[Twinair]

That belt is slipping. You can see it slow when the compressor clutch engages


...via IH8MUD app

 

[medtro]

That belt is slipping. You can see it slow when the compressor clutch engages


...via IH8MUD app

This means what?

 

[BrotherRob]

That belt is slipping. You can see it slow when the compressor clutch engages


...via IH8MUD app

If the bearing in the clutch or idler is bad, it can cause the belt to slip.

 

[1972FJ55]

If the clutch pulley bearing is bad, wouldn't it be likely to make noise all the time since it's spinning whenever the engine is running?

 

[BrotherRob]

If the clutch pulley bearing is bad, wouldn't it be likely to make noise all the time since it's spinning whenever the engine is running?

It'll make more noise when the clutch engages because there's more of a load on it. You should try calling Coolstream, they were very helpful when mine went out.

 

[1972FJ55]

You should try calling Coolstream, they were very helpful when mine went out.

Why didn't I think of calling them? Well since no one there now, has ever owned or even worked on a Land Cruiser, and your former assistant throws you under the bus, I guess they just weren't my first thought...and if the clutch bearing is the problem, think the nosecone of the compressor is still ok? Rant over.

 

[BrotherRob]

Sorry, I didn't know you had a bad break up. You won't know for sure if your nose cone is bad until you get a look at it. Like Medtro said, start with the idler. It's the easiest fix and if that's all you need, you're getting off easy.

 

[Twinair]

That's definitely belt squeal not bearing noise. Tighten belt or replace belt. Check idler.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[freshspecbluegt]

Thanks for all the input guys, I will crawl under the truck and check the belt tension, I am still leaning toward compressor/clutch assembly failure at this point. I also made an appt at a local AC shop to have them take a look at it on Tuesday. I will report back with what I find.

 

[Parsnip]

Anyone recommend a good book or other resource for learning automotive AC systems?

 

[freshspecbluegt]

Well I had a chance to get under the truck today and look what I found.



Looks like Twinair was right, it was just belt noise. At some point the tension bolt came loose and fell out. Couple of bucks at the hardware store and the air conditioning is up and running again.

I was set on it being a compressor issue as I thought it sounded way too harsh to be a belt issue. live and learn

Thanks for all the input guys!