Last week I heard a screech when driving and while stopped. 1st thing I thought was belt. Now the A/C unit by fan smokes and makes a rattling sound when engine runs. Also, reddish brown dust is behind fan and near compressor unit. What is going on and how can I tell if its AC compressor or clutch. Also, I NEVER use the A/C.

 

Replace the whole compressor, it's more cost effective.

 

Possibly the clutch bearing. It's replaceable, but probably not cost effective to do so. Probably easier and less costly to buy a scrap compressor and swap the clutch.
If it screeches with the AC off, it's generally the clutch bearing. If it screeches with the AC on, it's more likely the belt or the compressor.

 

Yes, the compressor is probably on the verge of lockup.

 

Yep. It just locked up on me. Fortunately my electric fan kicked it and got me to and from work. I don't understand how the cost effective fix would be replacing the entire compressor. I think I just need to replace the bearing.

 

I appreciate you all replying to me in a timely fashion.

 

The compressor clutch will not move when the engine is off. How much should a scrap yard be selling me a used compressor for? New ones are $200-$250.

 

A/C work is expensive, especially if you have to redo it because of a bad part. Used or reman.

I would only buy a quality new compressor and clutch if you can. I know some on here will argue the point. I can assure you, my advice comes from the School of Hard Knocks.

I have learned my lessons the hard way.

 

Junkyard asking $100 for used A/C compressor. New compressor = $250. I'm trying to find out labor costs. I'm leaning towards the new compressor, based on your thoughts and experience. The last thing I want to experience is messing up the Jeep more with a crappy used compressor that will need replacement in another year or so. Thanks again. I'll update this along as I go.

 

Now you see why I said it's more cost effective to replace the compressor with a new unit. Having to do the job twice because the used compressor crapped out after a short time saved you nothing, it actually cost more.

 

Thank you all for your help. The Jeep got fixed. Went with the new compressor. Since then, I've manually replaced my power steering pump. Pretty easy fix after following my Haynes manual.

After I replaced the power steering pump, however, there was a minor chirp noise in my belt. A week later, a large puddle of oil started pouring out from underneath my XJ. Not sure exactly where it's coming from, but I have a feeling it's from my rear seal.

 

If that is what it is, the driveshaft/transfer case/transmission has to come out to get to it.

Just had to have one replaced in my motorhome.

 

So, you're comparing a Jeep Cherokee to a motor home? Am I missing something?

 

Bearing is about $18.
Remove belt and spin compressor pulley by hand. If it makes noise, but doesn't have very bad free play, you can replace bearing probably w/o removing compressor.
If free play is really bad, it is probably too late.
Call local parts store and ask for belt w/o AC. If you are lucky, you'll just need to install different belt.
If they don't have listing for a belt w/o AC, you can ask them for belt by length.

 

Not on a Xj! Just have to drop the oil pan