2003 Expedition Clutch Plate / Assembly

[x-angel]

I know this is my first post here, and I did search before posting.

My 2003 Expedition starting making a weird clicking sound anytime that we started the AC.

Upon further analysis, I found the following:

It looks like the entire clutch plate assembly is just shot to hell, but the compressor still engages, and still cools, so I know that the compressor still works. The clicking noise is coming from the two freewheeling parts.

Question: Is possible to replace JUST this part, or would I have to replace the entire clutch assembly, which would pretty much guarantee having to evac the system, take the compressor off, rebuilding it, and then putting it back on on the hopes that I got it right?

Or would it be most cost effective to just replace the whole dang compressor?

I am not a newbie when it comes to working on cars. We are entering into the cooler season here in Texas, so the AC wouldn't be need from about October till January (if we are lucky)

There is just a massive difference in cost between a cluth assembly (like $70) and a whole new compressor ($300 from autozone)

It's a 2003 Expedition, 5.4L Triton, over 100K Miles on it.

Just wanted to see if anyone had seen this before. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[ELVATO]

I would try to find it at a junk yard, and try taking it off another Expedition.

You'll need a holding fixture:
Holding Fixture, Compressor Clutch
412-098 (T94P-19703-AH)

You use that to take off the central nut. The manual says you have to take off the compressor to take off the pulley, by I wonder if you remove the serpentine belt (to take off pressure off the pulley), if you'll be able to take it off since this part is just in the front, right?



Granted, usually, they take off the motors, AC compressors, etc before they put the truck out, but it's worth a try.

 

[Racenut]

Not sure about the clutch, but Ebay has a good listing for a new compressor with a 1yr warranty. I know the Autozone warranty is only for 3 months and the compressor is much more expensive.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/9855...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[x-angel]

Thanks guys... I will be digging into this deeper.