AC compressor clutch replacement recommendations

I replaced the AC compressor, but the sound is still present. I’m fairly certain it’s the belt tensioner because it makes the same creaky sound when I move the tensioner arm to relieve the tension on the belt. I’ve tried blowing out the area with a compressor and spraying WD-40, which temporarily reduces the noise, but it returns after a few weeks. Since I drive on a lot of dirt roads, my truck eats a lot of dust, so I suspect the dust is getting into the tensioner and causing the issue.

I would put a wrench on the tensioner, move the arm back and forth, and see if it makes the same sound you're hearing.

 

Thanks, I will do that. I swapped the clutch out this afternoon, no noise during test drive under load etc in neighborhood. Then later, i took the truck for another drive, it started the same rattling noise under load and low RPM. I'm wondering if the tensioner was tight after putting the belt back on, but then after my initial test drive around the neighborhood listening for the sound it loosened back up and now is doing it again. I did press the bearing out of the tensioner and replaced that last month, so it must have something to do with the spring load in the tensioner assembly itself? If not that, I am stumped!

 

We’re in the same boat. The good news is, I believe it’s just a noise issue and doesn’t affect performance. There’s plenty of tension on the belt, no signs of abnormal wear, and the engine runs fine. I think the spring is just worn out, similar to how strut coils start to sag after being under constant pressure for a while.

For me, the rattle is most noticeable after letting off the throttle at low speeds, especially right after light acceleration. When the load eases, there’s a bit of slack, and it seems like the spring isn’t strong enough to keep up. It’s most obvious when I’m cruising through a parking lot with light on-and-off throttle.

It’s definitely annoying, though. Annoying enough that I’m still debating whether it’s worth the hassle of replacing.

 

I feel the same way currently. After changing literally all pulleys and now the AC clutch I am hesitant to swap the tensioner assembly. If that doesn't fix it I will most likely throw in the towel and take it in to a professional lol

 

Any luck with resolving this issue? Changing the tensioner does not fix the problem. Nor all the other pulleys. I was going to replace the A/C clutch until I came across this topic that described my problem perfectly. Suppose it is better to encounter this before taking the time to change the clutch out.

Edit - To anyone experiencing the above symptoms with the odd rattle on deceleration, whenever the load comes off the engine and all that. It could very well be a bad pulley or tensioner. I changed all of my pulleys and the noise continued. I did an oil change on schedule and the noise went away completely suddenly. Makes no sense, correct amount came out, correct amount went in. Could be coincidental, but it stopped the noises.