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Ac compressor woes

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by theSteels, Mar 2, 2021.

  1. Mar 2, 2021 at 9:59 PM
    #1
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    Hey all, for a while now I've noticed a ticking sound when I turn on the ac button. I'm pretty sure it's coming from my ac compressor. The sound is also happening during acceleration (louder when the ac is on) sounds like an exhaust leak. I was watching the compressor run while I had the ac on and noticed a part, not sure of the name that spins and stops. Is this part pictured below, circled in red, supposed to spin continously if the ac is on?

    Screenshot-20210302-215425-Gallery_fe2106787c10ea1a1180f53955dad9c06a302906.jpg
    check for pictures on the internet
     
  2. Mar 3, 2021 at 3:51 AM
    #2
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    I’m no expert on AC and have never installed one or taken one apart on our trucks but there will probably come a time down the road.

    I believe that piece is a clutch wheel that engages and disengages at the ECM discretion depending on what mode you have set.
     
  3. Mar 3, 2021 at 4:51 AM
    #3
    RustyShackle323

    RustyShackle323 New Member

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    Completely normal. As mentioned above that is the AC clutch. When it engages, this turns the compressor on. What your seeing is the compressor clutch cycling.
     
    NewImprovedRon and theSteels[OP] like this.
  4. Mar 3, 2021 at 5:06 AM
    #4
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    How can I diagnose what the clicking sound is, besides replacing the ac compressor?
     
  5. Mar 3, 2021 at 5:10 AM
    #5
    RustyShackle323

    RustyShackle323 New Member

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    Are you sure it is coming from the AC compressor/clutch?
     
  6. Mar 3, 2021 at 5:16 AM
    #6
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    No but the clicking sound happens as soon as I hit the ac button.
     
  7. Mar 3, 2021 at 5:28 AM
    #7
    RustyShackle323

    RustyShackle323 New Member

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    It could be as simple as a belt noise that you are hearing. Usually this comes in the form of a squeal due to the belt slipping on drive pulley(s). When you turn on the AC, the belt is put under more load/stress. My belt makes a bit of a ticking noise as well (plan to replace) soon. I would pull the belt and inspect it and the pulley on the compressor. Simple and quick task to eliminate.
     
    theSteels[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  8. Mar 3, 2021 at 6:08 AM
    #8
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    Belt seemed fine not sure about the ac pulley. I'll take a closer look.
     
  9. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:28 AM
    #9
    JohnLakeman

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    What frequency is this "clicking"? That is, how much time between clicks? Several clicks per second, 1 second between clicks, 5 seconds, what?

    The clicking associated with normal AC cycling results from the electromagnetic clutch connecting the compressor shaft to the drive pulley. The time between normal cycles, i.e. clicks and idle speed changes, should last many seconds, maybe minutes between clicks, and is a function of ambient temperature and AC load.

    Rapid clicking, say one or multiple times per second, implies a mechanical problem in the clutch mechanism or drive system. In that case, if the clicking is not the belt, then you're probably looking at compressor/clutch replacement to eliminate the click. I would turn up the radio until the AC quit working. :thumbsup:
     
  10. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:29 AM
    #10
    Lil Steve

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    Perfectly normal. The clutch is an electromagnet so when you hit the A/C button the clutch (circled in red in the above pic) gets pulled in and results in that clicking sound.

    Edit: ^^^ JL said it better!
     
  11. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:39 AM
    #11
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    The clicking is around 3 or 4 per second. When I accelerate the frequency goes up and is louder. The clicking is also present during acceleration when the ac is off but becomes noticeably louder as soon as I hit the ac button.
     
  12. Mar 3, 2021 at 8:20 AM
    #12
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    Exhaust manifolds?
    What year is your truck
     
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  13. Mar 3, 2021 at 8:20 AM
    #13
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    2002
     
  14. Mar 3, 2021 at 8:23 AM
    #14
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    theSteels[OP] likes this.
  15. Mar 3, 2021 at 8:27 AM
    #15
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    JohnLakeman and theSteels[OP] like this.
  16. Mar 3, 2021 at 8:30 AM
    #16
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    It may not be the AC but the clicks definitely become noticeably louder when the AC is activated. The clicks are louder and a higher frequency during acceleration when the the AC is on. Other times when the AC is off there is no noticeable clicking sound during acceleration.
     
  17. Mar 3, 2021 at 8:30 AM
    #17
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    Thanks reading now

    While it could be this, I don't think it explains the noise difference heard when I turn on the ac with the hood open standing by the radiator (someone inside the truck activates the button).
     
  18. Mar 3, 2021 at 9:00 AM
    #18
    JohnLakeman

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    Frequency says it's a mechanical problem, maybe a bearing, in one of the accessories (AC compressor, alternator, PS pump, etc.), or an idler pulley, driven by the serpentine belt. The fact that the noise gets louder when the AC is engaged doesn't necessarily mean it's the AC compressor. The noise is increasing when the AC compressor is engaged because the load on the serpentine belt, bearings and idler is increased, which could make the noise louder.

    Localize the noise with a mechanics stethoscope. If it's an exhaust manifold leak, that should become clear quickly. I would start with the alternator; that's where my instinct is now headed.
     
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2021
  19. Mar 3, 2021 at 9:13 AM
    #19
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    I’d check play/ replace the tensioner pulley and idler pulley before the alt
     
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  20. Mar 3, 2021 at 9:18 AM
    #20
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    I forgot to mention that I need to replace the the fan bracket as that bearing is worn out. That might be my problem, sorry if I totally went backwards there and didn't mention it in the 1st post. I should've done it when with the timing belt off but couldn't wait for the part.
     
  21. Mar 3, 2021 at 9:22 AM
    #21
    JohnLakeman

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    :facepalm::smack: :D
     
  22. Mar 3, 2021 at 9:24 AM
    #22
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    Totally deserved, that bracket issue totally evaded me, I hadn't made the connection that turning on the ac could put stress on a different component.
     
  23. Mar 3, 2021 at 9:27 AM
    #23
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    Just kidding. No problem. :D

    It was a good "work-out" for the crew, and we got instant feedback, unlike most attempts to help.
     
  24. Mar 3, 2021 at 9:30 AM
    #24
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    Yeah I'm def a noob shade tree mechanic. I'll report back here when replaced
     
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  25. Mar 13, 2021 at 6:32 PM
    #25
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    I should be getting the fan bracket this week, in case this doesn't fix my ticking problem, what else should I look at? I forgot to mention that the ticking sound only gets louder when the car is put into drive or reverse. If the car is on park and I turn on the AC it starts the clicking sound.
     
  26. Apr 1, 2021 at 8:05 AM
    #26
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    Hey all, I replaced the bracket and I'm still getting the ticking sound. I'm almost sure it's coming from the AC pulley. Can this pulley be replaced or do I need to swap out the whole unit? Any ideas on how to isolate or confirm it's this pulley?
     
  27. Apr 1, 2021 at 9:55 AM
    #27
    JohnLakeman

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    There is no replaceable "AC pulley". The AC compressor drive pulley is an integral part of the magnetic clutch assembly. Magnetic clutches can be noisy when the compressor cycles on/off, but once engaged there should be no noise from the clutch/drive pulley.

    Unless the clicking noise is continuous when the compressor is turning, i.e. when that front part of the clutch is rotating with the pulley, I would not worry about the noise. I would assume it's normal clutch noise, and run it until the AC quit working.

    But...If you have continuous clicking only when the compressor is turning, that may indicate a failing bearing in the compressor. (Eventually, I would expect a lot more noise than "clicking"). In that case, it won't be long before the AC does stop working. Unfortunately, if the compressor "locks up", it may break or throw off your serpentine belt, and leave you stranded on the side of the road.
     
  28. Apr 1, 2021 at 7:17 PM
    #28
    AV8R4AA

    AV8R4AA New Member

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    I think you are low on R134. It is clicking on and off because the low pressure switch is
    cutting power to the clutch. How cold is the vent temperature?
     
  29. Apr 4, 2021 at 9:36 AM
    #29
    theSteels

    theSteels [OP] New Member

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    The sound is always there. It becomes louder and is synchronous with higher acceleration. If I hit the pedal the ticking/clicking sound gets louder and goes up in rpm too. If it I put it in neutral and hit the pedal the ticking also goes up in rpm. I haven't used a stethoscope but I had my ear close to the AC compressor and I'm almost sure it's coming from that spot.
     
  30. Apr 4, 2021 at 9:58 AM
    #30
    JohnLakeman

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    You can be sure, or you can throw parts at it until you find it.

    A mechanic stethoscope is not an expensive tool.

    https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-52750-...7555282&sprefix=mechanics,aps,297&sr=8-3&th=1
     

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