Air Conditioner problem.... - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

the_scotsman · 02-25-2002, 15:56

Hello!
My Air conditioner squeaks when i turn it on. It sounds like a dry bearing....its not on the belt wheel, cause when i turn the aircon off, the belt still runs, but the noise stops....
I think air conditioners are self contained units, are they? Gregorys says bugger all about them...
How much am i looking at for a replacement unit, second hand, if possible...
I'll take it to an air con garage for an opinion on it, but any of your help is VERY much appreciated!!

Cheers!!!

Troutman · 02-25-2002, 15:59

My air conditioner made such a racket at one stage that I prefered to suffer in the heat.

When I got it converted to R134a, the so-called "TX Valve" was replaced, and the noise never came back.

the_scotsman · 02-25-2002, 16:06

hey...
forgive me if i seem stupid, but i dont know much about air con....there isnt a big demand for it in scotland!

What is R134a?
How much did the replacement valce cost?

Thanks!!
David

Troutman · 02-25-2002, 16:13

'Twas $60 for the valve from memory. I'm sure the DIY people around would not pay that much.

R134a is the newer refrigerant, as standard with the ED series and onwards. It is CFC-free and more widely available.

02-25-2002, 16:41

Hi Dave,

Could be one of many things but - but it more than likely IS the belt. Either it is slipping or it is old and on the way out. The reason behind 99% of the problems is it being loose.

As for it not making the noise when the "AC is not on but the belt is still running". This is because the belt only really slips when it is under load. It will very rarely slip (even when it is loose) when the AC is not on because there is no load on the belt. Start with the most common problem first - check the tension on the belt.

Good luck,

M.......

galapogos01 · 02-25-2002, 17:14

i wouldnt say its the belt, more likely the pulley bearings, or the compressor bearing. keep in mind a compressor bearing is extremely hard to replace, and a reco compressor is about $200, a new one about $600, so change that $5 pulley bearing over first and see what results you get.

i had a problem with the plate the pulley sits on being bent, thus bringing the belt out of whack and giving me a squeaking sound. after ****ing around for ages, a mate suggested i bent the plate back - and it hasnt made a peep since.

so when looking directly down at the belt, where it comes off from the compressor and goes under the pulley, it should be dead straight down, not slightly towards the front or back... sort of hard to explain.

good luck!

lukeyn039 · 02-25-2002, 18:29

Up here it is around $100-$120 to replace the A/C clutch bearing but this includes removal of gas as it is easier to work on the compressor once off the car,remove compressor,remove 8mm bolt remove clutch plate.Using correct puller remove pulley and bearing assembly press out bearing,press in new one refit in reverse order.Alot cheaper then a new unit.The idler pulley bearing can be brought separatly from the pulley assembly but at a cost of around $15 it is cheaper in the long run to pay $20 for genuine item including new pully assembley plus bearing.It could be also possible that your A/C system is low on oil and that noise is alloy to alloy EXPENSIVE.Contact your local A/C specialist and he or she should be able to help you out.

RAPTOR · 02-26-2002, 06:17

I agree with Mallyboo.

99% of the time it will be the belt.
Tighten and/or replace it before you spend any money on anything else. They need to be REAL tight or they will squeal under load (ie. A/C on.)

the_scotsman · 02-26-2002, 09:24

Thanks for all the replies. I took the car to an auto electrician for his opinion...he reckons it the compressor itself, or the compressor shaft, or something like that, can't remember exactly what he said... he cant say for sure.....says that an A/C unit from wreckers about 70-80 bucks. Unfortunately, my A/C still has the old system, so he says about 240 bucks to convert that...hmmm...I'll just have to roll down the window for a while, till I can afford it! :(

Thanks for all the help and suggestions, i LOVE this site!!!

Cheers!

02-26-2002, 17:57

wow.

this reminds me of my old xd. it squeeled when i switched on the AC. Took it to a Auto-sparky and he said the compressor was seized and was ready to charge me 800 bucks for a new one + fitting. I took it home and checked the obvious things. Gave the belt a quick tweak and it never sqeeled again. ya just gotta watch those ones....