Hi,

1998 Ram 1500, 5.9L.

Just ran into a new problem yesterday. A/C Compressor is making a howling/grinding noise when it unlocks and disengages. A/C works fine, blows nice cool air in low and max A/C. I can clearly tell the noise is from the compressor clutch.

I have never re-charged the freon in the truck, owned it since new. I don't know if there are any leaks in the system, as I said, it seems to blow cold air just fine.

When I unplug the electrical connector to the compressor, I get the howling noise as the clutch disengages.

When the clutch is engaged and turning, no noises. When it disengages, noise again. When the engine is off, and I turn the inside portion of the compressor clutch, i hear and feel grinding. Bad news I am sure.

I recently changed out the water pump and timing chain, so I know there is no problems there. Its not the PS pump either.

Any ideas here on fixing this? I'd rather not get into discharging the system, and I really don't need A/C right now, but I'd rather not cause any damage bypassing it. I like doing repairs on my own, but am wary of the A/C system.

Thanks for the advice!

Mark

 

The bearings or the clutch plate on the compressor is going out. If you can move it manually and hear the noise, I would say it's pretty far gone. You can try to lube it with some WD-40 and see if that helps with the noise, but I think it's just a matter of time. Some people try to change out the clutch and see if that makes it better, but if not then that means it's the compressor. I would say wait till it goes out and get both new compressor and clutch. Yes, sometimes you can buy them separate, but to me it makes no sense mating a new part to an old part. I would replace both for optimal performance.

 

To bypass the A/C system, do I simply disconnect the electrical connectors and run a shorter belt?

Thanks.

 

Yea, if you put on a shorter belt you should be OK. If it's not turning it wont make any noise. Look on your radiator mount and it tells you the alternate method of routing your belt without the A/C.

 

Thanks for your help, I'll give that a shot!

- Mark

 

Hey Mark what did you end up doing?
Did it fix your issue?
I ask because mine is gone also and was looking at methods to bypass the A/C since it is 40 degrees outside and getting colder it can wait to be replaced

 

Sorry I forgot to close out this thread! I hate that when you don't find out what happened.

I ended up using a shorter belt, disconnected the wires to the A/C Compressor. Everything is working fine, although your defroster won't work at 100%, as it can't dry out the humidity. This is according to some a/c experts.

Anyway, one thing to watch out for is the belt part # that they have at the part stores is wrong if you ask for the belt for the 5.9 w/o A/C. Problem is, I have the part # in my truck and I am away from it for 9 more months. You have to get one size up or down and use that. I'll try to get the part # in March.

I hope this helps someone else, thanks all for your help.

- Mark

 

you may change the gague of the clutch.
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