A/C pulley loose

[whatturbo]

I noticed a clanking sound under my hood that resembled when my crank pulley separated. I somehow convinced myself that it was the water pump, so I ordered a new one. While I was removing the belts it became very obvious that the noise was coming from the A/C compressor pulley. I could grab the pulley and wiggle or spin it and it made the noise it made when the car was running. I put it back together and left the A/C belt off, and the noise is gone. I want to use my A/C. It was always very cold and didn’t seem to have any other problems beside the clanking noise. Do I have to replace the whole compressor or can I just replace the pulley, or clutch, or something?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[quiksilver38]

yeah mine was like that too and i saw sparks come off of it too but it prolly needs a new clutch. anybody else help?

 

[blueberry_dsm]

i would say replace the pulley clutch assembly

 

[whatturbo]

I don't know how they work internally or what parts to replace. If I purchase the clutch will that stop my current pulley from moving? Can I purchase the clutch separately or do I have to order it with a pulley? I also don't want to get new parts and still have the problem. Has anyone had experience with this in the past?

Thanks again.

 

[blueberry_dsm]

well i work at an auto garage, and i did bring this up with a master tech there, and he said you just need to replace the clutch pulley assembly. im not sure if u can do just one or the other, but he said it would be best to replace the clutch pulley assembly. he said this should take care of your problem.

shane

 

[Defiant]

You may find replacing the whole compressor is less work and about the same (or less) cost.
Especially if you can find satisfaction in used parts.

 

[whatturbo]

Thanks guys. I'll check price and availability on both (new clutch pulley versus good used compressor.) I just needed to make sure I could get just the clutch pulley before I called to price check.

Thanks again.