Hi All,
I just started hearing a noise under the hood which seems to rise and fall with the engine rpms.
I got out a sthescope and probed around the front of the engine where i am hearing it. I just put on a new water pump 2yrs ago so, i was pretty sure it wasn't that. I am hearing alot of noise where the "clutch brake" is for the AC compressor pulley. Does that sound like a familar problem with a '98 1500 ??
Does anyone know how easy or tough to replace that is ??

 

How many miles on it? Does the A/C work? It may need some oil.

 

That happened to my dads 98 (the clutch started screaming when it burned out) after he drove for about 10 miles with it in 2nd gear instead of drive. I guess the high rpms with the ac on is what burned it up.
It is relatively easy to replace. You will have to get the refrigerant recharged after replacing the compressor.

 

Thanks,
My truck has around 170k on it.
I did some reading and it sounds like it gets a little involved. I guess the thing to do is to replace the whole unit compressor and all. It looks like everything is very excessable. Not sure if i have to evacuate the refrigerant first or what. Ya, i figured i would have to have it recharged. Don't use the AC much but, when you need it, you need it to work well. Thanks again, going to my mechanic tonight to ask some questions. Just lost my little Toyota Celica '92 to an idiot that wasn't paying attention to his driving. It only had 280k on it and was running strong !! NOw i just have the gas guzzling dodge so, i have to have it fixed el pronto.

 

It really isn't that involved. I bet I could get mine off in 10 minutes or less.
When my dad replaced his, he did a bit of searching to find a rebuild kit for the clutch in the compressor, but it was a bust and he had to get a new compressor.

 

I talked to my mechanic yesterday. We took the S belt off and spun the pulley. It did make a little bit of a grinding noise. Not too bad really but, should be replaced.
He called for the clutch pulley assy. and it is 180.00 labor he said would be around 70.00
So, i think i am going to do it. Saves me the trouble of f....ing with it.

 

You can get a re-manufactured acdelco compressor from rockauto for 140$ and the labor would be free if you did it yourself (except for refilling the cooling system).

That guy quoting 70$ to change it ought to tell you that it isn't that hard to do. If money isn't tight and time is then by all means get that guy to do it. If you want to save 100$ then do it yourself.