my 98 jeep cherokee AC compressor is broken and creating a loud noise, is this a major problem?

Answer 1

For both the 2.5 or 4.0 engines, your A/C *is* running off of the same belt as everything else (the serpentine belt mentioned above), and if that compressor seizes up (as it well may, from your description), you'll be a very unhappy camper when you find yourself stranded when the belt burns through from being run over the stationary compressor pulley.

If you don't want to fix the A/C, you CAN buy the alternate belt that was designed for the '98 *without* airconditioning. This belt will take care of everything else under the hood, but will bypass the compressor pulley (isn't long enough). Pop into your local auto parts store, tell them your make and year, and tell them you do NOT have A/C, and they'll hand you an appropriate belt.

STRONGLY recommend you not continue to try to drive with it in its current condition. Loss of the belt that drives the alternator, water pump, etc., is NOT a nice way to spend a summer afternoon.

Answer 2

OK. First, your A/C is empty if no pressure comes out. It is a sealed system with a high and low side, but when it is off, the sides open to each other and balance out. There is a pulley you need to bypass the A/C. Personally speaking, I would rather spend the money on a clutch or compressor than spending more time looking for by-pass parts. A/C rules and it doesn't use more fuel like everyone thinks. I am a certified nut job as well as certified HVAC Master. Sounds important, huh? Anyway- buy a compressor, slam it on, then dump some PAG oil in it....3 oz should do. Run your engine and vacuum the A/C system using your large port for your brake booster. Connect that line to the A/C low side (smaller) with the schrader valve out. Let it vacuum for about 15 minutes. This is important to remove all the moisture from the system. You could also just have someone at a shop do this for you with the proper machine...but anything is possible from your driveway. Once it is done, quickly re install the valve and charge your system with a couple cans of 134a. Don't use ones with sealer in it. It will ruin your new compressor and plug stuff up. If this all sounds like no fun, call a junk yard and look for the bracket that mounts to the head for a non A/C Jeep. There are far more A/C Jeeps out there than not....lemme know how u do! Mike Smith

Answer 3

If it's only noisy when the AC or defrost is on, pull the wire off the compressor so it won't start up and trash the belt. I just got a rebuilt compressor for $130 on ebay for my 98 Jeep and a set of gauges with vacuum pump for $50. It was actually a fairly painless job changing the compressor. You just have to ignore them telling you to replace condensors and evaporators and accumulators that don't need replacing.

Answer 4

if it has a surpentine belt that runs everythinn including the ac than yes it is. if not and you don't need ac than pull the ac belt off and your good to go.