I changed out my water pump and fan clutch yesterday as part of a major 4.7l engine overhaul. Everything went fine but today, I noticed the A/C clutch acting funny. When the A/C clutch engages, it squeals like a stuck pig. I'm thinking that the clutch bearing is going bad. My question is; how hard is it to get the old bearing out and a new one in? And, do I need any special tools to do it, if so, what?

thanks

phatjohn

 

Never replaced an AC clutch before - don't you just replace the compressor?

 

Is it the clutch squealing or the belt squealing on the pulley? If it's the belt, it could be caused by loose belt (belt tensioner to blame or worn out belt). Or it could be caused by contaminants on the belt causing it to slip.

 

Not looking to replace the A/C clutch, just the bearing.

Price per part;
A/C clutch bearing- 80.00
A/C compressor- 300.00 and up.

Money is tight for me so I'm looking to only replace what needs replaced. Present A/C compressor works fine and so does the clutch. When the clutch engages, thats when the bearing starts screaming.

phatjohn

 

It's the A/C clutch bearing squealing. When I started on the water pump, I took the belt out of the engine compartment all together so it wouldn't get contaminated. Also, belt is relatively new (40-45k miles on it). Tensioner is fine. I wiped all the pulleys off before the belt was put back on so the chance of it being contaminated would be lessened.

When the A/C is turned off, squealing is intermittent. When A/C is turned on, as soon as the clutch engages, it starts squealing. Disengages, squealing either lessens significantly or stops completely. This is why I think it's the clutch bearing.

phatjohn