AC compressor clutch air gap

[Qtonic]

Ever since last spring my 07 LX ac compressor had a whine/squeal when engaged. I lived with it, but this spring it's warming up and it stopped engaging completely so no AC.

I've been reading threads on compressor replacement -- not too much $$ really, but seems like a lot of effort -- but also the new-to-me concept of air gap with the magnetic clutch.

Is there a way I can test it to see if I really need to tear everything apart to replace the compressor and maybe more as I think I read I should do at the same time (evaporator, etc, IDK).

I don't think I have any leak because it had been cold despite the noise, and I love to kick the can down the road a while by fixing the clutch engagement without removing the compressor, but I'm not sure if that's a possibility or how to determine.

Appreciate any advice.

 

[1972FJ55]

The air gap should be around .020". It is adjustable by adding or removing shims that are behind the hub. If the gap is too wide, the clutch won't engage, if it's too narrow, you'll usually hear a metallic grinding noise when the A/C is off.

 

[Qtonic]

Just by sight it looks like it would be too wide. Plus I never had a noise issue with A/C off.

Can I just hit it into engagement temporarily or something to verify that re-shimming it or whatever's needed will fix it?

That's my main concern at the moment. I'd really like to fix it in place for time and convenience if possible, but of course I don't want to waste my time if I just need to swap compressors.

 

[1972FJ55]

Just by sight it looks like it would be too wide. Plus I never had a noise issue with A/C off.
Can I just hit it into engagement temporarily or something to verify that re-shimming it or whatever's needed will fix it?

When the A/C is on, you can try tapping on the front hub, forcing it towards the compressor body. In theory the coil should then be able to hold the hub in. Of course when it cycles off, it may not re-engage.