'04 Escape A/C compressor clutch - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

FE385 · 08-05-2010, 21:26

My '04 is a 2L 5 speed with close to 300m miles (still a great car despite on-going transmission clutch problems, I'll post this also). After a hot day using the A/C quite a bit Monday, I have a whining, grating sound which I suspect is the compressor clutch.
Can I replace the compressor clutch without removing the compressor and avoiding the associated hassle of de-pressurizing and evacuating the refrigerant?
Any special tools needed or procedures to follow to get the clutch off?
Thanks

wptski · 08-06-2010, 05:47

I haven't fooled with a AC clutch in years but when I did it was on a GM product and I did need a puller. It had a internal 7/8-14 thread but I had something made for another use, all I had to do was drill/tap a hole and made a puller out of it!

**Bert** · 08-06-2010, 07:47

You should be able to replace the clutch without discharging the system. Check the air gap on the clutch to make sure it's right.

FE385 · 08-06-2010, 15:36

Thanks Bill, I tried cycling the A/C today to see if it would stop the noise, assuming that the cokmpressor clutch locking up might do that. The noise is still there, so maybe it's the alternator or PS pump. Am going to fool with it more tonight. Thanks for your reply.
Dave

FE385 · 08-06-2010, 15:42

Thanks Bert, as I mentioned in another reply the noise may not be the A/C after all. I replaced the serpantine belt idler first because that bearing sounded the worst, but maybe you have to load the different drive accessories to get the noise. I had read about washers that create the air gap in the comp. clutch; is that how you adjust the air gap?
Thanks,
Dave

wptski · 08-07-2010, 06:53

From the manual, you just remove the center bolt on the hub but using a special tool, so maybe it's a weird bolt!

THEN:

1 Thread an 8 x 1.25 mm bolt into the A/C clutch to force it from the compressor shaft.
2 Lift the disk and hub assembly and the A/C clutch hub spacer from the compressor shaft.

It must have a internal thread for a jack screw.

The airgap is .014"-.029"

**Bert** · 08-07-2010, 07:36

If the the problem stays after turning the A/C off, it wouldn't be the clutch. If it is, Bill gave you the proper instructions.

FE385 · 08-09-2010, 17:15

Thanks Bill and Bert, your replies really help. I listened to it again Friday night and the noise is there whether the clutch is locked up or idling (A/C on or off). There is also a sort of harmonic rattling that I was able to stop by pushing on the outside of the clutch while the engine was running but A/C off.
Maybe Bert can restate his reply as it was a little garbled.
Thanks,
Dave

**Bert** · 08-09-2010, 17:45

Have you tried taking the drivebelt off and run it very shortly to see if the noise is still there? While it's off, turn the pulleys on everything to see if you can feel or hear a bad bearing somewhere. Sometimes the noise transfers and sound like it coming from one place and it's really somewhere else.

wptski · 08-09-2010, 19:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by FE385

Thanks Bill and Bert, your replies really help. I listened to it again Friday night and the noise is there whether the clutch is locked up or idling (A/C on or off). There is also a sort of harmonic rattling that I was able to stop by pushing on the outside of the clutch while the engine was running but A/C off.
Maybe Bert can restate his reply as it was a little garbled.
Thanks,
Dave

Do you have a even air gap all the way around? The armature plate is mounted with spring steel which returns it to a rest position after disengaging. If one of the springs is broken it might cause a noise. The pulley is on a bearing which free wheels while disengaged, so it might create noise with the the AC is OFF only.