Squelling/Howling Sound

[smallfry]

So within the past week my 4runner had developed a squell/howling sound under acceleration and to some point while at idle. The noise eventually started happening upon start up as well. So I took it in too a local shop today to have them look at it. I explain to the service manager the problem and we got out to my vehicle too start it up and lol and behold the noise generates upon start up.

I get a call a little before noon and they tell me that the A/C Compresor/Clutch is shot and that it needs to be replaced (along with tow other parts). They also mention that the electrical pig ttail that plugs into had a severed wire and that it also needs to be replaced.

They quote me $850 w/o tax.

Needless, to say I didn't get the repairs done yet as that's alot of $$. They did however leave the belt off and the noise has disappared.

I'm now wondering how in the world the A/C Compressor/clutch would go out in the middle of winter. When the a/c isn't even being used. Let alone how the pig tail wire became severed.

How hard is it to change out the said parts? Should I just order new parts or just try to get by with a junkyard compressor.


My 2000 4runner currently has about 144,xxx miles on it.

 

[rjaudi]

Its howling because the bearing on the clutch is bad. It turns all the time. Happened to me. I spent 300 on a new compressor and 20 on a dryer. You will have to have the system evacuated and recharged. It isn't overly complicated to do.

 

[smallfry]

Anyone now the part number for the idler pulley bearing? All I been able to find is the pulley itself.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

I'm now wondering how in the world the A/C Compressor/clutch would go out in the middle of winter. When the a/c isn't even being used. Let alone how the pig tail wire became severed.

Just remember - your A/C pulley is turning all the time just like your power steering.

If there is a belt attached to it, it's running. ;-)

 

[smallfry]

These are probable two really stupid questions but I thought I'd ask anyways.

1. Would there be any problems with running the vehicle without the ider pulley on it (going to see wheat he part n# is on the bearing)? The belt is already off of it and has been since the shop looked at it.

2. Would not have the belt on the idler pulley, ac compressor effect gas mileage at all? Since I got it back from the shop after they looked at it I've been getting about 14 mpg a drop of about 3 to 4 mpg.