2003 Ford Focus Grinding/Scraping Noise from side of engine

BAKU342

MEMBER
2003 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
97,500 MILES

This problem all started when I added that r-134a refrigerant to the low side service port on my '03 focus. The a/c hadn't been working lately which is why I added it, and as it was filling I heard the compressor's clutch try to engage but then it made a terrible sound and I smelled burning rubber and saw smoke. After I turned the car off I knew the compressor had locked up and I knew some of the belt had been burned off trying to turn the compressor. But now every time I turn on the car I can hear a grinding/scraping noise coming from the side of engine and I can't tell if it's the belt, or the compressor or the pulley. Plz help!

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

If you remove the belt, is the sound gone? With the belt off, can you easily turn the pullies?

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Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 AT 2:55 PM

BAKU342

MEMBER
8 POSTS

If I remove the belt will the car still run, b/c as far as I can tell there is only one belt, and it's attached to the power steering and the alternator as well as the compressor for the a/c. And the only reason I haven't removed it to see if that's the case is because I don't know how to. I've never done it before, and i'd be worried about putting it back on as well

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Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 AT 3:23 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

If you remove it, it will run. However, only run it for a few seconds to see if the sound is gone.

As far as the belt, refer to the belt routing diagrams site on this page. Identify your belt system. You will see on the picture there is an automatic tensionier on it. It rides on a pivot. Basically, you place the required too on the tensionier and turn it to loosten the belt. It is spring loaded. Once the belt is off, check for the noise. Then, use the routing diagram to replace it.

If you run into trouble, let me know. I'll try to walk you through it.

Joe

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Sunday, July 4th, 2010 AT 12:37 AM