Hi everyone! When I turn on my fan (heater or air conditioner) a loud squealing noise starts in the engine bay. The fan itself is located under the glovebox and does not seem to be the problem.

I narrowed the issue down to the accessory belt (I think that's what it's called). The belt itself looks ok but there may be an issue with the idler pulley (which I located and removed) or what I believe is the a/c compressor. To be honest, this is the first time I've wrenched on my rig and I have no idea what I'm looking at.

I've linked to a video that shows a pretty significant loose wiggle at the end of the a/c compressor (if that's what it is). I couldn't upload it so I put it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3vU...ature=youtu.be

Can someone tell me if this movement is normal? Assuming it's not, what are the next steps?

Thanks everyone!

 

That is the a/c compressor clutch that's wiggling and you did remove the idler pulley.
It doesn't seem normal buuuut Bump for someone who has more knowledge than I when it comes to the a/c clutch.

 

You shouldn’t have any lateral play in the pulley. It should spin freely but not move in and out, or side to side, or rock.

 

Thanks for the responses.
How do I know if my a/c compressor has gone bad or if the problem is elsewhere?
It sounds like the clutch is what's wiggling and that it is supposed to have some movement until it engages.

 

The pulley shouldn’t have any wiggle. The center part should spin or stay separate from the outer pulley that the belt drives. That is what/where the clutch engages.

Years ago I replaced a few clutch packs on some GM vehicles. Usually it’s more hassle than it’s worth. You’re talking about a clutch pack that should be good for tens of thousands of engagements before it wears out. Generally seals and internals of the compressor go LONG before the clutch goes. I would venture a guess that the bearing is the real culprit.