This just started last week. I was driving to work with the windows down...cruising at about 45MPH...it sounded like a pulley clutch in the serpentine system locked up for 3 - 5 seconds and then released. This has happened 3 times in the last week. I could feel a vibration in the front end during the noise and then all was fine....smooth and quiet like nothing happened. I was running the defrost on low for heat the one morning but the other two times no heat was on. I took the sepentine belt off on Sunday and grabbed all the pulleys and none have any play and all spin freely (except the crank pulley of course). So my question is can the AC compressor clutch go out intermitmently? The A/C blows cold when switched on....are there any other clutches in the serpentine system? Can the clutch be replaced on the A/C compressor or do you have to buy the whole thing? I have no idea what else it could be. Any suggestions?

 

I think you have already diagnosed your problem. If it it's only done it with the A/C running then it almost HAS to be in the compressor itself or the clutch assembly. Do a search on here and you can find some pretty good info on pulling the clutch without removing the rest of the unit. You do however need to verify that the compressor itself doesn't have anything wrong with it.

 

Thanks for the response... I was unsure if i could just replace the clutch or if the whote compressor had to be replaced.

How do you test the compressor? All I know is when the defrost id on it will intermitently jam and grind. I have no idea how to isolate the issue. I was looking on line at Rock Auto and it is $268 for a new compressor with clutch....may just through that on and be done with it. Any thoughts on isolating what is broke...Compressor or clutch?

 

Just a thought, but you might want to jack up your front wheels and give them a spin for smoothness, and rock them in and out top to bottom to check your hub bearings.

 

What RT said, don't rule them out until you check them out.

 

I already checked them...ball joints and all steering linkage. I have narrowed it down to the AC Compressor and/or clutch. I cycled the defrost on and the noise can back.....shut it off and no noise. I am just going to replace the whole AC Compressor and clutch unit.

 

I suspect that will hurt the pocket book, good luck.

I've gotten some small parts from a company called Ranshu in the past. Best I recall I had no issues but it's been a while since I've ordered from them.