My 2000 4 door Eddie Bauer Explorer is intermittently making a lot of noise from the AC compressor. The Ford dealer said I have a clutch bearing going out, which is what I figured. I am trying to decided if I want to tackle it myself, to save some money. I definitely want to get it taken care of it before it seizes and causes a real mess. I am fairly handy with tools, but have no experience with AC clutches. Can anyone give me a step by step on what is involved in replacement of the bearing and how to adjust the clutch so it switches at the right time. I'm also wondering if I need to replace the whole clutch or just the bearing the dealer quoted replacing the whole thing, but they did not really do anything to make a judgment other than just look at it. I would appreciate any guidance I could get.

Thanks,
Randy

 

Did you ever end up changing the bearing out. I am in need of replacing the clutch and was curious how difficult it would be to remove the clutch hub assembly. I imagine a special pulled is needed. Thanks for any information.

 

Special tools are needed to remove and reinstall the clutch assy. Unless you have them it can be a difficult job and you could do more damage than if you had someone with the tools do the work.