I have a 2014 Ford Explorer 3.5 170,000 miles. It runs and drives pretty well for its age but lately it’s been having an issue with the ac. I had the ac compressor replaced at the Ford dealership with my extended warranty when I bought the vehicle. The repair happened about 3, maybe 4 years ago. Now my ac compressor is grinding. I called the dealership but it’s out of warranty. I think they should stand behind their product because there’s no reason an ac compressor should go out this early. The noise does go away when I turn the ac button off. Also weirdly is when the ac compressor is turned on, the car rumbles. Is it recommended that I buy a new ac compressor and belt and put it on myself? Should I try just the clutch? A new ac compressor from AutoZone is $500, a new clutch is about $50.
there’s no reason an ac compressor should go out this early
They may have installed a crappy rebuilt compressor or maybe even a used one to save money. Extended warranty companies tend to do that sort of thing.
Is it recommended that I buy a new ac compressor and belt and put it on myself?
Are you familiar with working on air conditioning and have the necessary tools and equipment? Bear in mind that if the compressor is grinding internally it is contaminating the AC system with metallic debris and most of the system has to be replaced.
Should I try just the clutch?
Only if you can determine that it actually is the clutch making the noise. It won't help if the problem is internal to the compressor.
Also bear in mind that the AC compressor puts a heavy load on the entire belt system. You should check the belt itself and all belt-driven accessories and pulleys to rule them out as the source of the noise.
@chucktobias they claimed they installed an all new compressor but not out of the realm of possibility they’d just put a rebuilt compressor.
@krispete1040 Could have been an aftermarket compressor of dubious quality. Or maybe they didn't put enough oil in the system or oil of the wrong viscosity or maybe some debris was left from when the original compressor failed.
Compressor failure is like a bomb going off in your AC system, it's a catastrophic event. So you'll want to be very sure the compressor is the actual problem before proceeding.