1997 Ford Expedition A/C making sound

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.

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 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?

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Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 AT 1:48 PM

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

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Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 AT 7:15 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 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.

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Monday, August 3rd, 2009 AT 8:10 AM