AC compressor is noisy

[dmike25]

While changing the coolant yesterday I started the engine several times and ran it until it reached operating temp. I noticed the AC compressor was noisy, sounded like dry bearings. For whatever reason, the clutch would engage occasionally. When it engaged, the noise went away. I never ran the AC in the car while doing this, I had it set on heat. I wonder if I need to or even can change the compressor clutch? 2007 Liberty, 3.7, 70,122 miles

 

[tommudd]

The AC cycles on and off year round , just the way it works
If that noisy, yes I would say you need to change it

 

[dmike25]

Thanks tommudd. Do you mean change the compressor or just the clutch?

 

[tommudd]

Thanks tommudd. Do you mean change the compressor or just the clutch?

clutch should do it

 

[dmike25]

Thanks again tommudd. Looks like I have a new project.

 

[dmike25]

While corresponding with Adam at the A/C Compressor Clutch Store it was determined that the compressor has been replaced before. With a "cheap" unit from china. Here's what he said:

"Your OEM Compressor was replaced with an after-market unit (made in China).
I am sorry but Our Clutches are made to fit the OEM Sanden compressors and will not fit your compressor."
Anyone have any luck changing the clutch on a chinese compressor?

 

[ltd02]

The problem would be finding the replacement. I doubt there's much replacement support for that unit. I did the OE clutch in my 05 a while back and it was no big deal. The process is probably the same with the replacement you have but finding that correct clutch is unlikely.

 

[DadOSix]

While changing the coolant yesterday I started the engine several times and ran it until it reached operating temp. I noticed the AC compressor was noisy, sounded like dry bearings. For whatever reason, the clutch would engage occasionally. When it engaged, the noise went away. I never ran the AC in the car while doing this, I had it set on heat. I wonder if I need to or even can change the compressor clutch? 2007 Liberty, 3.7, 70,122 miles

got a picture of what your aftermarket compressor looks like?

 

[dmike25]

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[dmike25]

Those were the pictures I sent to the A/C Compressor Clutch Store. I can take some more tomorrow if I need to.

 

[DadOSix]

Those were the pictures I sent to the A/C Compressor Clutch Store. I can take some more tomorrow if I need to.

nah - that is good. my question is -

when you installed, did you have to adjust the ‘air gap’ on the clutch?

Usually, under the center bolt, there are a few washers of varying thickness that let you adjust the face to face clearance on the clutch faces. i would start by taking the center bolt out and remove one washer, reassemble, and see what I had then. On mine, i did it twice before I got it working right.

 

[dmike25]

I haven't installed a new clutch yet, haven't even bought one. It's just starting to get noisy. I'd like to change it before it becomes a problem. I can't help but think that when it goes it will disable the vehicle, since it's run by the serpentine belt.

 

[ltd02]

Did you remove the serpentine belt and spin the outer pulley? If it's just the bearing you should feel it. A clutch replacement would fix this but the bearing itself is replaceable too. That T68184 seems to be a carquest part so seems like there should be a kit or at least a bearing replacement out there.

 

[dmike25]

Thanks itd02. No, I haven't removed the belt and spun the pulley. I will today. Good to hear that it's a carquest part, mayhaps I can find parts locally.

 

[ltd02]

Yeah, probably the outer clutch pulley bearing, but when the clutch engages it changes the amount of stress/force on the whole serpentine system. I have seen it actually quiet other pulleys that were failing so spin all the pulleys while the belt is off.

 

[DadOSix]

I haven't installed a new clutch yet, haven't even bought one. It's just starting to get noisy. I'd like to change it before it becomes a problem. I can't help but think that when it goes it will disable the vehicle, since it's run by the serpentine belt.

Understood. I was thinking you had to adjust the gap when the aftermarket compressor was installed.

Re - disabling the jeep -

There are several threads here about a shorter belt that allows you to keep the jeep on the road if your clutch on the compressor fails.

 

[DadOSix]

Post in thread 'Belt just snapped..'
https://www.jeepkj.com/threads/belt-just-snapped.79002/post-794253

there is your shorter belt.

 

[dmike25]

Thanks DadOSix. When I checked the other pulleys yesterday (all okay), I was looking at the front of the engine and wondering if a shorter belt would work, bypassing the compressor. You've saved me a lot of time! I'm not good at all using the search function in forums, it doesn't take long for me to get frustrated and give up. I would have ended up using a tape measure and then searching for a proper length belt. Thanks again!

 

[DadOSix]

Thanks DadOSix. When I checked the other pulleys yesterday (all okay), I was looking at the front of the engine and wondering if a shorter belt would work, bypassing the compressor. You've saved me a lot of time! I'm not good at all using the search function in forums, it doesn't take long for me to get frustrated and give up. I would have ended up using a tape measure and then searching for a proper length belt. Thanks again!

No worries! The search can be a bit of a bear on these forums anyway. I just knew I had posted it and I went and searched posts by me, and scrolled back to find for you. I’ve got to kj on the road and there is a shorter belt in my parts area.

 

[dmike25]

I went to advance auto parts (they sell carquest) and they have that compressor but no parts for it. Since it's not an emergency situation (yet) I've decided to get a shorter belt in order to bypass the ac compressor and keep it and the necessary tools in the Liberty.
Post in thread 'Belt just snapped..'
https://www.jeepkj.com/threads/belt-just-snapped.79002/post-794253
there is your shorter belt.
Thanks for the link
What I can't decide is which way to route the bypass belt? I've found a couple of pictures, I hope this routing will work since it doesn't require removing the pulley

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The other way would need the pulley gone

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I wonder which way uses the 82 1/2" belt? I guess I'll use a cloth tape measure and check each route. I'm really hoping that the routing in the first image will work, since it doesn't require the pulley to be removed. Who knows, I might save enough $ to buy a proper replacement compressor and fix it right before it becomes a problem! I just need to be prepared since it's my wifes car, and I can't have it broke down.