Squelling/Howling Sound

T

ttora4runner

Well-Known Member
Location
Colorado Springs, Again
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. :mad:

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.


Anyone know of someone parting out a 3rd gen 4runner. :D
 
It is probably the bearings in the clutch itself and not the actual compressor. With that said I don't know if the 3rd gens had seperatly replaceable clutch units.

I'd hit yotatech for some research.
 
SLC97SR5 said:
It is probably the bearings in the clutch itself and not the actual compressor. With that said I don't know if the 3rd gens had seperatly replaceable clutch units.

I'd hit yotatech for some research.
Click to expand...

Yep, I hit up Yotatech and the replies have been few and far between. A couple of people over on UtilmateYota made the same suggestion and also recommended to try and clean it too see if there is any built up debris in iot that could be causing the problem.
 
Fuller said:
the a/c will run whenever you have the defroster on. it acts like an air dryer
Click to expand...

Thinking the same thing, every time defrost is on the compressor is used.

I had a similar problem a few times on my taco, however the noise always ended up being the power steering.
 
Never replaced one in a Toyota, but A/C compressors are usually easy to replace and even more ideal is to just replace the clutch if it's replaceable and it's not the actual compressor that's bad. That will prevent you form having to have the freon removed and then, once done, recharged.

Really, $850 isn't too bad if it includes a new compressor, clutch, and freon.
 
Caleb said:
Never replaced one in a Toyota, but A/C compressors are usually easy to replace and even more ideal is to just replace the clutch if it's replaceable and it's not the actual compressor that's bad. That will prevent you form having to have the freon removed and then, once done, recharged.

Really, $850 isn't too bad if it includes a new compressor, clutch, and freon.
Click to expand...

and evaporator.
 
The $850 was for parts only.

I'm thinking I might play with it a bit. When I was out at 5MP last weekend I ran though a muddy/ice covered puddle and I'm wondering if I just got a bunch of crap in it and it needs to be cleaned out or I got crap in the idler pulley (didn't start to happend till after this).

Just need to pull off a 40lb skid plate too look at it some more.

I've already found some other compressors/clutchs for cheaper than they quoted me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top