Clutch and AC on the way out?

Tesla · 13 Apr 2007 at 14:10

Two possible problems could be cropping up on my 2.0 Mondeo Ghia Estate (98 "R").

Sometimes, when on a hill, the clutch whines when pulling away. It does not slip though. This is getting progressively more regular but by no means 100% of the time. The car is approaching 130k and I have no record of clutch change so I am assuming it's coming up for a replacement? Would you agree? if so, what can I expect the cost to be?

The second issue is the AC. It works well and blows boiling and freezing whatever the weather. However, the other day the compressor just wouldn't swith on. Therefore, no AC. Next time I drove the car it was working fine again so I wasn't able to diagnose the fault.

The AC compressor cycles on and off every 20secs or so. It has been like this since I got the car a year ago.

Is this a sign that the refrigerant needs topping up? Any other Mondeo Mk2 owners expereinde this on/off cycle, is it normal?

You can see the compressor spin, stop, spin, stop etc... if you look at it. It is belt driven but there is a clutch inside the compressor.

Thanks,

Chris

energy · 13 Apr 2007 at 23:20

No idea about the A/C issue but clutches on Mk1/2 Mondeos are on the complicated end of the scale to replace as there is quite a bit of dismantling involved and it is important to have it done somewhere with the appropriate equipment as the subframe needs to be aligned before being bolted back on otherwise the car will pull to one side.

When you say it whines, what exactly do you mean? Do you get a judder as well? If so, the engine mount/roll restrictor may be worn out (instead of, or in addition to the clutch).

If it is the clutch I'd say leave it as is until it starts to slip since it will cost several hundred to replace the clutch.

Tesla · 15 Apr 2007 at 17:18

Sometimes there is a small judder.

Also, I am back with the problem of the compressor not engaging at all.

triggerthat · 15 Apr 2007 at 17:41

Tesla said:
Sometimes there is a small judder.

Also, I am back with the problem of the compressor not engaging at all.

It might be the pressure plate (teeth are bent).

I'd get it changed when it becomes annoying.

Tesla · 15 Apr 2007 at 17:49

triggerthat said:
It might be the pressure plate (teeth are bent).

I'd get it changed when it becomes annoying.

The clutch?
Or the clutch in the AC compressor?

My Dad said it could be the release bearing? Do you agree?