a/c pulley squeak

[mike97gt]

i had a heater hose blow last week and coolant went absolutely everywhere.
after i got it replaced in the gas station parking lot, the front pulleys were squeaking. after replacing the idler pulley and tensioner its still squeaking a little from the a/c compressor pulley.
goes away when a/c is on. but when its stationary and the pulley is spinning it will make noise.
does anyone know what will cause this? i've never had an a/c compressor pulley apart/off to know whats inside.
bearings need to be changed or just lubed or something?

 

[duff daddy]

Could be a little noisy when the clutch is disengaged. I would drive it for a little bit and see if it changes. Also make sure there is no wobble to the pull/clutch and coil assemblys

 

[mike97gt]

everything looks to be running straight, my first thought was that it was slightly warped but it doesnt look to be touching anywhere.
what all is inside of the pulley/clutch assembly?

 

[duff daddy]

alot are based on the same properties.

 

[mike97gt]

hmmm, cant seem to find one on cats service manual site.
maybe i'll just run it for awhile and see if it goes away.

i'm stumped on how coolant could cause it to do that though...

 

[duff daddy]

coolant is pretty icky stuff. If it got in there it can normally trap any grime or dirt in there from the clutch material and possibly cause it to clump up. Who knows, I would call ford and see if they can service a clutch and coil separate from the compressor prior to doing anything crazy.

 

[mike97gt]

thats true. thinking of taking it apart and cleaning it to see if it changes anything.
suppose i should call ford and ask beforehand.. haha

 

[Steven]

More then likely the bearing. Happens alot at the ford store I work at. When it starts to squeak, beware it is about to fall apart.

 

[mike97gt]

easy enough to change out the bearing? or do i need to buy an entire assembly?

 

[Steven]

I'd buy the bearing and go from there. If your AC works good then I'd just go with that, however inspect all the other pieces for big wear and tear, and any possible needs to fix it.

 

[mike97gt]

sounds good. i'll call napa and see if they sell them. hope i can get it fixed by tomorrow.
what is all involved in changing out the bearing?

 

[Steven]

You need the correct puller for an AC clutch. Probably can get it as a loaner