'97 TB 4.6 A/C compressor bearing fail.

[T-birdy]

A high pitched squeal appears to come from the front of the a/c compressor whenever the clutch engages. When the clutch disengages the compressor stops spinning, and the squeal stops. I can watch and listen to this as the system cycles with the a/c switched on. If I turn off the a/c, no squeal. I'm guessing the bearings in the compressor are going out. However, the system still cools normally, so apparently no gas has leaked out.

Does this imply the compressor must be replaced, or could injection of some oil into the system possibly fix it...?

This car only has 73,000 miles on it. I've owned 2 other TB's and a couple classic Mustangs with much higher miles and never seen an a/c compressor bearings fail.

Any advice much appreciated...!

[97Bird]

T-birdy, At some point in time the system may have run low on refrigerant and overheated the bearing. Sounds like it's time to buy a remanufactured compressor!