Howdy! I'm getting a whining sound when the AC clutch kicks in on my 2006 Durango, 4.7, 63000 miles. Sorta sounds like bearings, increases as RPM increases.

Ok, I'm no mechanic, but I suspect it might be bearings, but is it the clutch or compressor? AC blows real cold. Can the clutch be replaced, or does it come with the compressor?

I don't believe it's the power steering pump or water pump since it only occurs when the clutch kicks in the AC

Can't do any of my own repairs, but would appreciate your opinions when I bring it to a mechanic.

THANXX!

 

Sounds like a clutch bearing. Can be replaced.

 

Dealer said I have to replace compressor, couldn't just do the clutch. Any truth to that? 2006 Durango 4.7

 

Yes and no. Finding a clutch all by it's lonesome for most AC compressors is not easily done if not impossible these days. Makes no sense to me.

The dealership will likely NOT replace just the clutch, even if you bring one in for them...you might find an independent garage that will take a good (used) clutch off a donor compressor from the junk yard, but you'll not likely find a new clutch.

I'd call a few local repair shops and see if they'll do just the clutch...you may need to find one for them.

Only other choice is to do it yourself. prob use loan a tool for all the tools that are needed from Autozone. OR if your gutsy, check CL for a shade tree mechanic who will do it for a few bucks...but you run the risk of less than stellar results.

 

Yes I found that out. Took it to our local dealer yesterday, total cost for complete redo $864.00 Not too bad, but he dealership seems top notch. Gave me a long ride back home, didn't do anything without my approval. I even called other dealerships and they were considerably less than those others.

I use a local mechanic, but they don't work on these dodge AC, because of those evaporators, driers and such.

Thank you for your insight.