Pulley whine (potentially A/C compressor)

[Joe 5.0]

There’s an audible whine coming from the lower passenger side of the engine bay, and I suspect that it’s the A/C compressor pulley. I made this thread to see what you all think.

The A/C blows cold and you can hear the compressor turn on when using the A/C. The whine is persistent, regardless of whether or not the A/C is on.

If it turns out to be the A/C compressor pulley, can just the pulley be replaced? Or, does the entire unit need to be replaced?

The car runs and drives fine.

Video:

 

[Deleted member 35786]

Since it continues to whine with the AC on or off then that eliminates the AC clutch. It can potentially be a compressor shaft bearing starting to go. Check to ensure its not your belt? Spray some belt ease/cleaner on it and see if it goes away.
If its the AC compressor shaft bearing then you will need to buy a new compressor. They are about $200 or so from UAC. Maybe a bit more with motor craft.
https://www.amazon.com/UAC-CO-11316...40--1-1-3113--1&vehicleName=2015+Ford+Mustang

You might get lucky and just change the pulley and clutch. Here is the kit from Ford.
https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/part...el=Mustang&Year=2015&Submodel=&Filter=(30350)

 

[Joe 5.0]

Since it continues to whine with the AC on or off then that eliminates the AC clutch. It can potentially be a compressor shaft bearing starting to go. Check to ensure its not your belt? Spray some belt ease/cleaner on it and see if it goes away.
If its the AC compressor shaft bearing then you will need to buy a new compressor. They are about $200 or so from UAC. Maybe a bit more with motor craft.
https://www.amazon.com/UAC-CO-11316C-C-Compressor/dp/B00SLKEWF0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32I2GEZUD5LYA&keywords=2015+mustang+ac+compressor&pid=qv5VkjD&qid=1570498755&sprefix=2015+mustang+ac+com,aps,168&sr=1-1&vehicle=2015-54-688-3600--7-6-7-16840--1-1-3113--1&vehicleName=2015+Ford+Mustang

You might get lucky and just change the pulley and clutch. Here is the kit from Ford.
https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/part...el=Mustang&Year=2015&Submodel=&Filter=(30350)

Thanks for the advice and links to parts, bro. Very helpful!

 

[BHRS]

My '15 had the same noise and it was the compressor. It was replaced under the extended warranty. When they did the leak down test they discovered the evaporator was bad so the dash came out to replace it. It's been a year since the repairs and so far no issues.

 

[Joe 5.0]

My '15 had the same noise and it was the compressor. It was replaced under the extended warranty. When they did the leak down test they discovered the evaporator was bad so the dash came out to replace it. It's been a year since the repairs and so far no issues.

My car is a 2015 w/ 26,000 miles, so I think I might be out of warranty. If it's the compressor, then fine. If Ford finds out that it's the EVAP, guess who's not going to have air conditioning?

 

[ryant601]

My '16 also had this, it was the compressor which led to the condenser and compressor being replaced. All good since.

 

[Deleted member 35786]

9 times of out 10 most AC (so called compressor) issues are the clutch. Its a shame that most mechanics would rather replace the compressor instead.

 

[Joe 5.0]

Thanks to everyone that commented — you all were right! The noise was coming from the A/C compressor, so I had the entire part replaced.

I hope this thread helps out others in the future.

 

[Deleted member 35786]

Thanks to everyone that commented — you all were right! The noise was coming from the A/C compressor, so I had the entire part replaced.

I hope this thread helps out others in the future.

Did you change the A/C compressor or A/C compressor clutch? Cost?

 

[Cobra Jet]

Here’s the info on how to replace just the A/C clutch (for those that need it for future reference):