AC pully

[Alexandermandreas]

So i have searched the forums and i have yet to really see any information on what it is. I have a 1996 ford taurus, 3.0L V6. 90k miles.

Looking at my AC pully, it has 3 what i can imagine as screws or bolts to hold it on. As i was filling the refrigerant, i saw 2 of the 3 things spin and pop out a little. The pully, the part that is touching the serpentine belt, is always spinning, the part that the above part is attached to is only spinning when the AC is on, but it does make a loud sound, and has a slight squeal. Could the bolts/screws cause the noise? Would you be able to tell me what wrench i would need to use in order to tighten them? can i tighten them? Im not sure what i can do, and since it is almost summer, i kind of need the AC. I cannot see into the holes to see what kind of tool i would need in order to get those parts that poped out, back in.

 

[luigisho]

That sound is from wear and tear. the pulley is designed to spin with accessory belt at all times and a clutch moves and engages the compressor when it is needed to operate to cool the interior. Sounds like it is operating correctly but is worn and old. Maybe a new compressor clutch will solve the issue or maybe a new compressor will be required.

 

[Irish Pride]

The 3 bolts you see are rivets. There is only one bolt holding the clutch in place. It is directly in the center. The clutch is not supposed to spin all the time. Only when it is engaged to spin the compressor. You can see if it has a shim that can be removed. You need to remove the clutch and if it's never been serviced or not fully service there will be a shim or 2 in place that can be removed and get the clutch in better position to make contact.

 

[Alexandermandreas]

Thank you guys, ill have to take it to a mechanic then. Its good to know what it is.

 

[itwonder]

You are probably going to need to change the A/C compressor clutch to cure the noise. It can be done with the compressor on the car if you remove the alternator and then take the compressor out of its mount so you can turn it towards you. It's a bit of a finicky job, but not difficult for a good A/C shop. The gap between the clutch plates must be shimmed correctly.

 

[Irish Pride]

You are probably going to need to change the A/C compressor clutch to cure the noise. It can be done with the compressor on the car if you remove the alternator and then take the compressor out of its mount so you can turn it towards you. It's a bit of a finicky job, but not difficult for a good A/C shop. The gap between the clutch plates must be shimmed correctly.

It's a whole lot easier to just lower the subframe on the passenger side. Just like If you were replacing the subframe bushings.