Squeaking AC with AC off?

My taco just developed a squeaking sound coming from the serpentine belt area. I removed the belt, and all bearings seem OK except for the AC clutch bearing wich definitely has play and grinds a bit. Idler bearings were replaced less than 60K miles ago with OEM. I presume I should replace the AC Clutch? Can the AC clutch squeal without it being turned on? If so, any suggestion for an aftermarket clutch?

I did replace the AC clutch about 50K miles ago with an Ebay after market one.

Any help is appreciated.

 

Yes. With no load on the AC clutch is can squeak.
Once the AC comes on, there is a load on the pulley and the squeak will go away.
Eventually the sound will change and never go away.

I'd change the clutch.

 

Any suggestion on aftermarket clutch?

 

OEM # 88410-04062

Amazon and eBay have aftermarket. Most guys seem to have ok results with the aftermarket kits.

Here is one

$54 Kessocco 1777 AC Clutch Kit 88410-04060 88410-04062 7 GROOVE AC Compressor Clutch Assembly Fits for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L & 4.0L Automotive Replacement Air Conditioning Clutches

https://www.amazon.com/Kessocco-Conditioning-1777-88410-04060-Replacement/dp/B0C3VLV2F8

 

Thks! My aftermarket lasted 3 years, If I can get another 3 yrs, I'd be happy!

 

Done! Replaced ac clutch with the 3-mirror one on Amazon. The bearing was in bad shape with its dust cover destroyed and a few balls missing. New bearing is again Chinese (TIDE). Cost was about 90 CAD and it took about 1hr to replace. I had a bit of trouble getting the pulley out because of corrosion so I added some anti-seize when I put it back together in case I have to replace in the future. Contrary to the last one, which took 6 spacers, this one took non to get in specs (0.55 mm). I only replaced the clutch, the coil was still in good shape. No more squeaking

 

Did you have to remove the compressor from the truck to swap out the worn clutch?

I'm about to try it..on a 2.7 2tr-fe

 

No, you can leave the compressor on the truck. I worked from under the truck, my 3 inch lift probably helped a bit. Remove skid plate, move the part of the serpentine belt that is in the way. The outer clutch is only held by one bolt and the inner by one c-clip. I do suggest a pair of 90 deg c-clip pliers. I held the outer clutch plate with a big pair of tongue and groove pliers to unbolt. There is a tool that grabs the clutch if you prefer. To put the bolt back in place, I did the same but with a piece of rubber under the pliers as not to damage the outer clutch plate. I used the same plyers to wiggle back and forth and side to side the old inner clutch until it came out. There is also an ac clutch remover tool that exist, but with a bit of persuasion, I was able to get the inner clutch out in about 5 minutes. As mentioned, if you coil isn't damaged, I suggest you leave it alone, apparently, it's a bit#h to put back together. There are good vids on youtube. Fairly easy, but toughest part is probably getting that c-clip back in. Quality tools makes a difference.

 

Hell yea man this is great news

Many thanks