[MmagicBbusS]

Truck is 97 F-150 /xcab /4.6L /5-speed trans /Air.

I have a 'whirring sound' that varies w engine rpm - sounds a bit like some power steering units sound if fluid is low. A few days ago, this noise got worse, and a small oil leak happened - and then stopped. ! ?

The oil leak has stopped - dropped maybe a pint or so.

Young fellow at a garage suggested it was air cond compressor bearing. He said there was oil associated with that. ?
Oil mess is visible - look past the front-most part of the right front wheel - can barely see the aircond compressor, and some oil splattered back of the wheelwell (from driving), and some oil dripped down on front frame area, plus small puddle on ground. It's not the same as motor oil (seems lighter); color unknown.

I am told if this bearing fails, whole serpentine fails. Is that fail likely??
I am told maybe bearing is replaceable?? Is that a good fix??
I am told air cond compressor is about a $400 part??

Can anyone supply me with any more details? I think this could easily turn into a $1000 repair, with labour and with recharge air cond??? (if needed?) Any options on this?
Am I looking at replace oil /fixing an oil leak? Is it the bearing? Or is entire aircon system involved? Could it be a hose? A seal? A bearing? Or a whole new compressor? Cheaper is better

The whirring sound continues, a little worse - this sound has been slowly getting slightly worse for about 3 months. Now the oil has leaked out. My blue truck keeps on running. I really can't afford a $1000 repair right now. So I only drive when necessary. Gotta fix it tho.

Any comments /suggestions /guidance /options appreciated.

Thanx much.

MagicBus

 

[brokenknee]

Yes it could be the bearing. If leaking oil the seal also would need to be replaced. If you leaked out that much oil the compressor may already be shot. If the bearing fails the belt will come off.

Bearings and seals can be replaced, make sure the compressor itself is good before doing all that work.

As far as the price of the compressor, shop online you may be able to get a better deal.

I don't want to discourage you from trying to do this yourself, this is a DIY forum after all. However you will need some speciality tools to do a clutch and seal replacement. If replacing the seal you will also have to bring it to a shop to have your refrigerant reclaimed. It is against the law to vent it into the air.

Send me a pm

 

[MmagicBbusS]

I can't PM it seems, perhaps cos I am new member(?)

Thx for response, brokenknee. You seem very knowledgeable on this topic.

I don't have special tools, and will probably goto a mechanic - or an aircon shop? - scary, that can get expensive fast. I have some tools, and a friend has more tools; but I have no experience with compressors. Perhaps the best way would be to find a used compressor; or would that be worse due to unknowns?

I have not used the air lately; but it was working just a couple weeks ago. The noise has been there for months. The oil leak happened over a 2-3 days, then stopped. The noise sounds slightly worse since that.

From what I have heard so far, I need oil, seal, bearing, (or a compressor unit) plus, either way, refrigerant evac and replace. I don't know how to decide what's the best route. I will need to talk to a mechanic; and with this info, I might sound like I have half a clue about what's going on; and maybe can reach a decision that way. (Need some hands on somehow).

 

[shadetree12]

Keep me posted on what you find out. I still haven't fixed mine yet. If I find out anything new I will let you know.

 

[brokenknee]

I can't PM it seems, perhaps cos I am new member(?)

Thx for response, brokenknee. You seem very knowledgeable on this topic.

I don't have special tools, and will probably goto a mechanic - or an aircon shop? - scary, that can get expensive fast. I have some tools, and a friend has more tools; but I have no experience with compressors. Perhaps the best way would be to find a used compressor; or would that be worse due to unknowns?

I have not used the air lately; but it was working just a couple weeks ago. The noise has been there for months. The oil leak happened over a 2-3 days, then stopped. The noise sounds slightly worse since that.

From what I have heard so far, I need oil, seal, bearing, (or a compressor unit) plus, either way, refrigerant evac and replace. I don't know how to decide what's the best route. I will need to talk to a mechanic; and with this info, I might sound like I have half a clue about what's going on; and maybe can reach a decision that way. (Need some hands on somehow).

Go up to User CP in the top left hand corner of the page. Go to edit options on the left, make sure you have enable private messaging checked.

 

[Kavey]

If nothing else you can get a shorter serpentine belt to bypass the a/c until you can afford the proper fix.

 

[frazierdavidson]

First thing to do is to verify that the noise is coming from the compressor. Don't spend money to repair something that may not be your problem. Start your vehicle and turn on the A/C. The noise will probably change with a load on the compressor. Also automotive stethiscopes are available fairly cheap at most parts stores. That should help you isolate your noise before making any repairs..