AC pulley??

[flair1111]

this morning on my wifes 02 (85,000 miles) she told me of a new noise. i went out and heard what seemed to be the sound of either a very dry or just shot out bearing. after turning off the engine and re cranking it a few times to make sure of what i was hearing, i think the pully on the AC has a bad bearing. i sprayed some light oil inside the middle part (clutch?) and around the back of it and the noise stopped completely. i also noticed some metal shavings on the front of the assembly.

we drove it down the road about 8 miles then the noise started again for a bit then stopped again. after getting it back home, the noise was pretty silent but still had a low rumble gong on. the metal on the front of the pulley was also turning colors because of the heat build up, or so it looked. the main pulley seems to run straight and true, while the middle part (clutch piece?) seems just a tad out of a true turn. also the noise seems to change when cycling the AC fan switch to AC settings and non AC settings. when the middle part turns the noise is different than when it is not. and one more thing, ...after we got it back home, the middle part, with AC on, will now turn very sporadically. itll turn a half turn or so and stop, then turn a whole turn or so, then stop and on and on.


question is do i need to buy a whole new assembly, or can i buy the center part separate?

also what is the chance that the bearing on the compressor itself is bad? i rule this out for now since the middle part causes change in sound and action.

 

[flair1111]

no one? (waits in corner)

 

[belvedere]

Probably the clutch, but Rock Auto only lists a complete compressor. Maybe someone else knows if you can get a clutch separately somewhere else.

 

[flair1111]

i sure hope so. if so ive been reading i need special tools.

if i decide i cant afford this right now, is there anyway to bypass that pulley? any other belt that would bypass the thing, maybe off another Chrysler model 3.7 i could ask for?


hopefully this wont cost to much.

 

[belvedere]

Not sure about the bypass deal...I would think it would be trial and error.

hopefully this wont cost to much.

Unfortunately, anything to do with AC is usually not cheap.

 

[tjkj2002]

It's easier to get the whole new compressor(or remaned compressor).Just one side not if you get a remaned compressor you will be forced to replace the receiver/dryer and orifice tube to maintain the warranty but if the clutch is the only thing going then the internal system may not be contaminated and you may get away without replacing it all.

 

[flair1111]

It's easier to get the whole new compressor(or remaned compressor).Just one side not if you get a remaned compressor you will be forced to replace the receiver/dryer and orifice tube to maintain the warranty but if the clutch is the only thing going then the internal system may not be contaminated and you may get away without replacing it all.

are the receiver/dryer and orifice tube easy to replace? i dont even know where they are. i dont think i need them anyway, but just in case i change my mind.

 

[tjkj2002]

are the receiver/dryer and orifice tube easy to replace? i dont even know where they are. i dont think i need them anyway, but just in case i change my mind.

On the KJ the big silver can that is next to(and slightly below)the coolant tank is the receiver/dryer(called a accumulator in the KJ) and the orifice tube is located between the line coming off the receiver/dryer going to the evaporator(liquid line).The orifice tube is very easy to change but I have not done one in a KJ yet so not 100% sure and the FSM say's it's easy.

 

[flair1111]

On the KJ the big silver can that is next to(and slightly below)the coolant tank is the receiver/dryer(called a accumulator in the KJ) and the orifice tube is located between the line coming off the receiver/dryer going to the evaporator(liquid line).The orifice tube is very easy to change but I have not done one in a KJ yet so not 100% sure and the FSM say's it's easy.

alright then. i looked at what you said and it seems pretty simple. my only other question would be, what is the best way to release the pressure in the system before i take everything apart, or should i just crack a line loose and let it sit for a while?

 

[tjkj2002]

alright then. i looked at what you said and it seems pretty simple. my only other question would be, what is the best way to release the pressure in the system before i take everything apart, or should i just crack a line loose and let it sit for a while?

The legal way is to have a authorized shop recover the R134A.Of course after swapping the compressor you will need to have the system drawn under vacuum(to 29inches for at least 30mins) then the compressor oil and new R134A put back in.It is very important to put in the exact amount the system calls for,to little and the A/C will not work and to much and you can seize the new compressor.

Either way you will need to take it to a shop or buy all the correct equipment to do A/C work yourself,it's not cheap either.

 

[Powerslave]

I thought they did away with the Refrigerant recovery, since R12 (banned in 1996) is no longer in use or production (can still get though, as black market item, or recycled), and everyone has converted to R134a? I don't know anyone that actually has a machine to recover it anymore. They sell kits for release and charging in stores, so I don't think there is any more EPA issues with this. R12 is still illegal, and anyone with R12 must be taken to a recovery station, but not 134 or 134a, from what I read. Some states may have their own laws, but I could not find a Federal EPA law on releasing it into the air. If anyone has it, then point it out.

 

[tjkj2002]

I thought they did away with the Refrigerant recovery, since R12 (banned in 1996) is no longer in use or production (can still get though, as black market item, or recycled), and everyone has converted to R134a? I don't know anyone that actually has a machine to recover it anymore. They sell kits for release and charging in stores, so I don't think there is any more EPA issues with this. R12 is still illegal, and anyone with R12 must be taken to a recovery station, but not 134 or 134a, from what I read. Some states may have their own laws, but I could not find a Federal EPA law on releasing it into the air. If anyone has it, then point it out.

Right out of the FSM............

REFRIGERANT
DESCRIPTION
The refrigerant used in this air conditioning system
is a HydroFluoroCarbon (HFC), type R-134a.
Unlike R-12, which is a ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC),
R-134a refrigerant does not contain ozone-depleting
chlorine. R-134a refrigerant is a non-toxic, non-flammable,
clear, and colorless liquefied gas.
Even though R-134a does not contain chlorine, it
must be reclaimed and recycled just like CFC-type
refrigerants. This is because R-134a is a greenhouse
gas and can contribute to global warming.

Plus in the case of my '02 KJ requires 1.63lbs of R134A,it is impossible to get the correct amount of R134A in the system using 1lbs cans found at parts stores.Plus you need 8oz of compressor oil in the system also,a specific oil is needed for our compressors,SP–10 PAG refrigerant oil only.


Also not to mention if you break open the A/C system you will need to pull a vacuum on the system to boil out all of the air/moisture that entered the system.If you do not know how or have the correct tools/equipment to do A/C work better leave it to someone/place that does.


Might want to check about R12 again,you still can get it and still use it.And yes there are recovery machines for R134A and R12 still being made.And no you can not buy a proper R134A recovery kit at places like Autozone,they don't make them,sorry.

http://www.redhillsupply.com/robinair-34788-auto-ac-machine.htm

^^^^I can post a few hundred more machines if you want for proper R134A service.

 

[flair1111]

when i put on the new compressor, it is ok to drive the kj to a place to recharge the system as long as i leave the ac off right?

in other words, im not gonna burn up the new compressor by driving it am i?

 

[belvedere]

im not gonna burn up the new compressor by driving it am i?

no, just leave it turned off

 

[Powerslave]

I know you an get R12, but it IS ILLEGAL in the USA, it was BANNED in 1996. In my post, I even stated you can still get it, but not legally here in the USA. It is no longer, LEGALLY produced here. Please read everything I post, so you know what I said.

(can still get though, as black market item, or recycled)

I don't know where you are? But there is not one auto retailer that SELLS it here.

Also, I don't know anyone, except a dealer, or places like Pep Boys, that has the recovery systems. Most people just do it themselves, let it fly, and recharge, just as they did with R12. Someone would have to video tape you doing it, in order for you to be convicted of a federal offense. I know and go to many auto repair places, and none of them have a recovery machine for 134. They used to when R12 was used, but not anymore... There are plenty shops around here that are the same way.

Anyhow, who cares, there is nothing wrong with the Ozone, and global warming is a lie.

 

[tjkj2002]

I know you an get R12, but it IS ILLEGAL in the USA, it was BANNED in 1996. In my post, I even stated you can still get it, but not legally here in the USA. It is no longer, LEGALLY produced here. Please read everything I post, so you know what I said.
I don't know where you are? But there is not one auto retailer that SELLS it here.

Also, I don't know anyone, except a dealer, or places like Pep Boys, that has the recovery systems. Most people just do it themselves, let it fly, and recharge, just as they did with R12. Someone would have to video tape you doing it, in order for you to be convicted of a federal offense. I know and go to many auto repair places, and none of them have a recovery machine for 134. They used to when R12 was used, but not anymore... There are plenty shops around here that are the same way.

Anyhow, who cares, there is nothing wrong with the Ozone, and global warming is a lie.

Yes R12 is no longer being produced but I can go buy a 30lbs bottle of it,granted I do have the correct certifications to do so and it is perfectly legal for me to put that R12 in a A/C system designed for R12.R134A has to be treated like R12,it's not going to be long before R134A will be on the chopping block,it almost was banned a few years ago.If a auto repair place does not have the correct equipment to properly do A/C work do you really want to have A/C work done there? Do they even have the correct certifications to do A/C work?Do they even have the proper training on diagnosing and repairing A/C systems? I highly doubt it and that could cost them big time,A/C systems are no joke to be messing with without proper equipment and knowledge,in fact they can be deadly from the extreme pressures that can occur.I had to get A/C certified,and not ASE either,just to legally touch a A/C system in a professional position.

 

[JeepJeepster]

We usually just get a set of gauges and do it ourselves. Check the pressure on the high and low side then add as necessary..

If the system was opened then of course we pull a vacuum..

 

[belvedere]

1. Yes, a person who is certified can purchase R12.

2. Around here, all the shops have recovery equipment.

3. I agree that global warming is a scam, but that doesn't change the laws that are in place.

 

[Akedos]

Did you ever replace your AC compressor and did it fix the noise? I'm having the EXACT same issue.

EDIT: Sorry to revive this post, I PMed the original author about it though. Didn't see it was a few months old.

 

[flair1111]

Did you ever replace your AC compressor and did it fix the noise? I'm having the EXACT same issue.

EDIT: Sorry to revive this post, I PMed the original author about it though. Didn't see it was a few months old.

pm'ed you.