Squeaking, sort of know problem

Hello all!

I have a 2000 Ford Crown Vic. I just changed my belt tensioner and the serpentine belt. On the front of the engine, on the passenger said is something that sort of spins around very slowly and makes a squeaky sound. It is part of the AC because when I turn on the AC it spins fast and when it spins fast it doesnt make any noise. I don't know why it turns like that when the AC is off and makes that noise. Any ideas ?

Doing some research its the Underdrive Pulley for the AC Compressor. Why does it spin when the compressor is off ?? Any ideas

It spins because the air gap is gone. The clutch assembly can be replaced with compressor on the car. Just look closely where the snap ring fits on the compressor nose. These will wear out and widen allowing your problem to occur.

Hmmm, that sounds like it is WAY above my basic level of automotive repair knowledge.

Can you explain it in very basic terms.....I don't see what you are talking about. Is there anything I can do to stop the squeak noise of it spinning so slowly? It sounds like there is nothing easy I can do to stop the slow spinning all together? And if I don't do anything is there anything bad about ignoring it ?

Thank you very much !

-Explorerny

You may be able to remove the bolt in the center of the clutch. It should be a 10mm head bolt. Then remove the center portion(the part that turns slowly). There are little spacers inside the center. If you can shim it to about .019 inches, the noise should stop and the part should stop spinning until the a/c is on. Let us know if you want to try it and we will help you as much as we can.

The snap ring groove on the compressor can not be seen until the complete clutch assembly has been removed. It is not really that hard to do. You just need a pair of snap ring pliers and a basic metric socket set to replace the parts.

simple terms your a/c clutch is too close to the a/c pulley and even though the a/c is off.the clutch plate being closer to the a/c pulley than its supposed to be it turns slowly. if you put a .019" gap in the clutch plate it won't turn until you turn on the a/c.