Air Conditioning problem
2002 Mitsubishi Montero 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 98,000 miles
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I have a question about replacing the serpentine belt, a/c compressor and spark plugs on a 2002 montero sport. For the belt and the spark plugs, does the engine have to be unmounted and hoisted/tilted? And the a/c compressor is making a clicking sound, almost like a knocking but dont want people to think its a rod or anything. I have never heard of an a/c compressor making this noise, but it did check and it is indeed the compressor. Any way to stop this or find simple potential fixes instead of spending over 1k to get it replaced?

Hi Kuelexx,

You don't need to hoist the engine to replace the spark plugs or belts, however to replace the plugs, you need to get the inlet manifold out of the way.

As to the ticking noise, I believe it is caused by the hydraulic lifters.

You can service the lifters but is not going to be easy and some of them might need to be replaced if they don't respond to cleaning.

Would the hydraulic lifters make the ticking sound only when the a/c is on? When i turn off the a/c, the ticking stops. And its not consistant. It will start off steady, then it will miss a beat or two, then go back evenly with teh sound of the belt. Its different, but loud.

Hi Kuelexx,

If the AC affects the idling speed then yes.

Try to find the source of the noise. Use a rubber hose as stetoscope to amplify the noise.