1997 Ford Expedition A/C making sound

Tiny
TODD0012
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD EXPEDITION
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 199,000 MILES
My truck just stating making sound around the a/c compressor and the outside plate turning but the a/c is working I am not going to used it until I get back home. Should I drive back home (3hours) with this problem, cause I dont want this to lock up. Or it will be ok if I dont turn it on.
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 AT 8:48 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi todd0012,

Thank you for the donation.

A single serpentine belt is used for all the components and if any fails or seizes, the engine is going to stall.

If the noise is iintermittent, it could be caused by a failing auto tensioner.

Can you describe the noise in more details?

Without understanding what is causing the noise, it is not possible to advise if it is safe to continue driving. Is the noise caused by the AC compressor? Does the noise increase or decrease with the compressor engaged?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
TODD0012
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
A/c compressor making a grinding sound and the front plate turning slow I guess that the clutch and it sound loud when the ac is off
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 AT 7:15 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Yes, that seems to indicate a bad compressor clutch and its bearing. If the clutch is waving badly, the bearing could seize anytime and continued driving is not advised.

If the noise had been present previously and suddenly gets very loud, it is in the final stage of failure.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 3rd, 2009 AT 8:10 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Air Conditioner Compressor Content

VIEW MORE