1st Gen Durango 1998 - 2003 Durango's

possible ac compressor going bad?

Old Apr 22, 2013 | 02:22 PM
  #11  
arcticpower28's Avatar
arcticpower28
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Default

Originally Posted by Kensai
ArticPower says that the pulley on the ac compressor seems to be wobbling? If so, the bearings on the compressor pulley is shot.

Some local a/c shops can replace the bearings, but depending on cost, it may be cheaper to replace the whole compressor.

Please confirm that the bearings on the a/c compressor is not bad, the pulley on the compressor should not have any play whatsoever.
sine I seen the wobble I have not been able to repeat the wobble since I shut it off in the garage, maybe the new belt was crooked!? I keep starting it back up and letting it run so I can duplicate the problem, but it is not happening. Going to go for another test ride, to see what happens! Gf is picking up a new Idler Pulley So I will put that on when she gets home, Cheap investment!
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2013 | 02:52 PM
  #12  
arcticpower28's Avatar
arcticpower28
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Default

test drove and within less then a mile the noise started again, came right back and left it running and put my hand on top of the ac compressor and I can feel vibration/grinding from the case, and also the compressor pully for sure has a little wobble to it!! What to do from here?
 
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2013 | 02:36 PM
  #13  
Kensai's Avatar
Kensai
Champion
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,707
Likes: 4
From: Dallas, Tx
Default

You will need to take it to a reputable A/C shop and have them inspect it. Some shops can replace the bearing on the compressor without having to change out the compressor. If the bad bearings did more damage to other internal parts, then the compressor may need to be replaced.

Check this link out to replace the bearings.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-change-2.html

If your clutch is still in good shape and only need to buy the bearing vs buying the rebuild kit, you can get it on ebay.

Bearing only: $38.75
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Durang...-/320971941972

Clutch rebuild kit (includes the bearing): $99
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Durango-AC-Compressor-CLUTCH-ASSEMBLY-2001-2002-2003-A-C-/221126112769?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item337c24b601&vxp=mtr
How to replace the clutch:
http://www.justanswer.com/dodge/0syv...-c-clutch.html

clutch removal toolkits: $91 or $137
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg...130424190909:s

I have done quite a few of these bearing replacements and some of them can be a HUGE PITA to pop the bearing out (stuck on shaft). I have to use a piece of wood (1x2) to knock on it to loosen it from the shaft.
 

Last edited by Kensai; Apr 24, 2013 at 03:10 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 09:21 PM
  #14  
arcticpower28's Avatar
arcticpower28
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Default

It makes sense to me that the bearing is going out, the compressor still blows cold air in the truck. I think I caught it at an early stage and I can bet its just the bearing! I notice that the video was on a gm product. Does the durango's come off differently? The just answer link just confused the hech out of me Because it didnt show a bearing being replaced! I would like to replace the bearing and save $$
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2013 | 07:44 AM
  #15  
arcticpower28's Avatar
arcticpower28
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Default

I would assume that you would have to let the freon out and then recharge the system again, If you take out the entire compressor. Is there away to cake the compressor off the vehicle without having to recharge the system?
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2013 | 08:04 AM
  #16  
SmokinJoe02's Avatar
SmokinJoe02
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
Default

Having had the a/c worked on by the same guy, on both dodges, I had to pay about $600 each time. $300 just for the labor. This is cheap here. Once you disconnect the compressor, all the Freon will escape. You'll then have to have the lines cleaned/vacuumed. After that, you recharge the system.

SJ02
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2013 | 08:21 AM
  #17  
arcticpower28's Avatar
arcticpower28
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Default

Thats alot of bucks there!! From what I gather from the information what I red is that most likely the bearing goes bad and people think that the entire compressor is bad, The bearing is less then $40 bucks, but the auto parts store want more for a reconditioned compressor verses a brand new one with a 2yr warranty! At this point Iam now going outside and attempting to get this bearing out!!
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2013 | 08:29 AM
  #18  
SmokinJoe02's Avatar
SmokinJoe02
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
Default

I could be wrong, but if you do just the bearing, I don't think any of the Freon will be lost. Try the easy/cheap way first. Good luck and post back.

SJ02
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2013 | 09:37 AM
  #19  
arcticpower28's Avatar
arcticpower28
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Default

Wel there is 1 bolt that holds the assy in place, but when you go to loosen the bolt the clutch spins as well. those special tools they talked about I decided to try my ATV chain tightener, well it worked, it is like a c shapped tool and it just happen to be the right diameter!! That held the clutch from turning and the bolt broke free. Iam inside and got the clutch off along with the snap ring. Now I think Iam stuck, the bearing seems tightas a son of a gun. got to do somemore reading
 
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2013 | 09:51 AM
  #20  
arcticpower28's Avatar
arcticpower28
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Default

From what I gather once the snap ring is removed the pully should slide off correct?? I know it just isnt going to slide off like butter, do the durangos slide off after the snap ring is off?? Iam going to have to pry a bit I think to get it broke loose
 
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:24 PM.