Another AC Compressor Noise Thread - 3rd Gen "Clacking"

Posting this as my inept dealership can't seem to find or replicate the issue. Here's what I experience (and have experienced as the weather isn't hot now) with my 2017 TRD OR double-cab with 15k miles on it:

Engine idle, in gear, AC compressor kicks on and a repetitive "clacking" (or knocking) sound occurs, i.e. "clack clack clack clack." It's not overly loud, and it does not happen all the time with each time the AC compressor cycles on, but usually will happen somewhat regularly after the AC has been running for 15-20 minutes of traveling and the cabin is brought down to a comfortable, and maintained, temperature. The sound is definitely in the engine compartment.

NOTE: If the truck is NOT in gear, then the sound will not occur. The idle RPM's are just a bit lower when in gear, and that's when the sound occurs.

I suspect a failing compressor bearing, an unbalanced pulley, and/or perhaps a flapping idler pulley due to load on the belt coupled with reduced engine RPM's.

Anyone else experiencing this, or have experienced this issue?

 

I think I have the same noise as you, how much time elapses between “clacks” though? Is it fast enough that you could potentially mistake it for an issue like valve tick? That’s to say, less than a fraction of a second between noises?

Oddly enough I had the truck reliably making the noise and tried to diagnose. From the cabin I would have sworn to you it was coming from under the hood, but under the hood I couldn’t hear it at all, just the compressor clutch cycling perfectly normally and no visual wobble, or any click or vibration. Nothing at all that would have made me suspicious of imminent failure.

Based on the harmless “whoops” it also makes and the fact that mine still blows ice cold air 3 years on, I am pretty sure these A/C units are just... noisy.

 

I am having the same exact issue! I did notice a wobbly idler pulley. So you may be into something there. Showed the dealer and they said it’s normal?

 

I am having the same exact issue! I did notice a wobbly idler pulley. So you may be into something there. Showed the dealer and they said it’s normal?

 

I have yet to take my truck back to the dealer for a few issues, including the noisy AC compressor issue, but will do soon. Thanks for the replies. I did indeed try to capture the "clacking sound" on video/audio by placing my phone on the hood as I went back inside the truck and put it in drive with the brake applied. After all, the "clacking" seems to only occur at lower engine RPM when the transmission is in gear and engine at idle. However, I did not hear the sound in the recording. Very weird indeed!

I'll definitely look for any idler-pulley wobble as well, having the wife behind the wheel. To me, idler pulley wobble is not normal unless excessive slack in the serp belt or an imbalance is considered normal.

 

you sure you aren't hearing the injector cleaning cycle?

 

Is this the sound you are getting I can only re-create the exact same way as you!

 

Nope not the sound! If I shut the AC off sound stops turn on ac sound appears. Unrelated!

 

Get a automotive stereoscope and check around for noises?

 

Basically a hose or a pipe and stick your ear to it and wiggle it around the engine bay lol. Let us know where its coming from!

 

Noise is absolutely coming from compressor! I used a extension and placed on the compressor. The clutch engaging seems really loud as well. More of clank than just a subtle click.

 

A single clank/hard-click would be the clutch engaging. The sound emanating from my truck is more of a knocking when the AC compressor is running.

 

Yea same with mine but just was noting that the clutch seemed overly loud as well. I am trying to upload a video but it’s not working well.

 

https://youtu.be/SjBYmwsK5qs

Take a listen to the compressor in the background. Is this the same noise you are getting?? You can here it come and with the AC cycling.

 

^^^^
Yes, that's the noise! Thanks for uploading!

And I see that you're in gear (R). It doesn't occur, at least it doesn't on mine, when in Park when the idle RPM is a little higher. IMO, it is not normal AC compressor noise. Out of all the vehicles I've owned, which granted isn't a huge amount, I've never heard a compressor sound like that, even if declared "normal."

 

I agree with you I am taking it in Monday to check it out. It blows cold so who knows. Yes most prevalent after driving awhile and in gear. In park the idle is up enough to keep the sound at bay.

 

UPDATE: The dealer said bad compressor bearing and they ordered a new compressor to be installed tomorrow! He did the old screwdriver trick listening like a stethoscope.

 

Update #2 Dealer tells me the Compressor will be in today. I drive 40 minutes get there and they take my keys and truck to the back. Sit in the waiting room for 1 hour. Then they tell me we have problem the compressor never came in. Mind you all parts deliveries come in at 7:30am. My appointment was at 9am. WTF...maybe someone could called before I got there....apparently there is a backorder on this compressor...hmmmm I wonder why. Mine is coming from Canada. New appointment this Thursday but this time they are picking up the truck and dropping off to me. But I may just take in myself again as I don’t trust anyone driving my truck.

 

This is good info. Thanks for reporting back...and a good reminder for me to book my appointment.

When you took it in, were they able to hear the compressor noise right off the bat? When I created this thread, my dealer (who I won't be going back to) couldn't hear it/couldn't replicate it.