Help Replacing A/C Clutch

[Ravenous]

I need to replace my A/C clutch. I know summer is almost over but the winter here in oregon is so wet that I need it for defrosting. Right now the clutch pulley is rubbing on the compressor housing and making an aweful grinding noise whether the system is on or not. The system is still charged and working great so I need to replace it without taking the compressor off the car in order to keep the charge. I bought a good unit off a fellow dsmtuner and just need to figure out how to remove the clutch assembly and replace it. I have searched here and many other boards and have yet to find the answers. If anybody has done this or can give me any assistance it would truly be appreciated. Thanks, Chris H.

 

[diviniti]

You would need to use a puller to get teh pulley off, and crack open the case.
IMO it isnt worth the hassle. I would just replace the unit and deal with the $50.00 cost of the re-charge.

 

[Ravenous]

You would need to use a puller to get teh pulley off, and crack open the case.
IMO it isnt worth the hassle. I would just replace the unit and deal with the $50.00 cost of the re-charge.

If I pull off the current compressor and replace it with the one I bought, won't I need to have the system purged and retro-fitted for R134A before I can recharge it. I can pull it off and retrofit the system myself but if I pull off the compressor won't the air in the lines cause a problem? Also will freon spray me or it will it only be released in gas form? Should I purge the freon from the high pressure side or low pressure side, or should I just unbolt it at the compressor housing?

 

[Defiant]

An AC shop should recover the Freon for free. I don't know what they'll want to vac it down and recharge. You won't be getting that clutch off the compressor- it's on with a couple of tons. Best bet is to get a used compressor and swap out the whole thing.

 

[tigerstalon]

My A/C clutch is doing the exact same thing. My search for answers has yielded the same results, too--there's no way to just replace the clutch. You basically need to get a new A/C compressor unit.

As for the problem, it hasn't affected anything for me, except for the annoying fingernails-on-chalkboard sound. I don't see it being a big enough issue to require a replacement.

 

[diviniti]

You CAN get the cluth off the compressor.
But like I said, its a PITA, and better to get another, and deal with the re-charge.

Ravenous, you really dont want to ever release the system yourself.
I mean you can, I have. But, 1 its against the law in most states, and 2, its really leathal if inhailed.

Example:

Me Telling friend: " Dont undo that. what are you doing?? no no no stop stop stop."

Him: "Ahhhhh I cant breath!!!"

Me: "Told ya."

Expirience

 

[Ravenous]

Ha ha thats awesome. Well I have good news....for me anyway. I just cleaned it up real good, my cv boot split a bit ago and I replaced the axle since, but long story short it was covered with grease and grime and so I cleaned it all up and it seems fine.... It is nice to have a/c. If it starts acting up again, I have a replacement compressor and clutch and my great grandpa has all the equipment to evac and refill it with r12.