98 T&C A/C shudder

[snowfam007]

I have a 98 T&C that is driving me crazy. The A/C works well, and it is the original compressor, but when driving at high speed, the car will periodically shudder, about every two minutes. It has become very pronounced lately, shuddering for maybr a sec or two. It is very annoying, and it almost feels like the front end dips down when it shudders. I can make it stop, because if I turn off the A/C, it stops. It has never occurred with the A/C off.
Does anyone have a suggestion? I was wondering if I have an impending A/C clutch problem. By the way, no abnormal noise from the compressor.

[RIP]

A new one to me. It's normal for the compressor to cycle on and off as you're driving. Apparently it shudders as the clutch engages the compressor. As you say, it could be a sign of a bad clutch thats creating too much drag. Could be the compressor itself creating the drag. You might try checking the tension on the surpentine belt with a tension gauge. Most shops have them. Try Autozone. They provide a lot of free services. I'm thinking it may be so tight the belt can't absorb the shock of the compressor coming on and transferes the energy back to the drivetrain. Just a theory.