I thought I'd put this thread together to link information from different thread about replacing the A/C pulley bearing and where to get parts.
First, here are the two threads about how to replace the bearing:
A/C Pulley Bearing Replacement Thread #1
A/C Pulley Bearing Replacement Thread #2
Next are some links to the cheap parts:
Cheap-ass Santech Bearing at AutoZone
Santech snap rings and shims at AutoZone
Here are links to get real Japanese Bearings:
Columbia, SC company, Bearing Distributors, who can get the NSK bearing
Anaheim, CA company, VXB, has their own bearing
Same CA company also carries the Japanese-made Nachi bearing
Here's my two-cents about the bearings:
The AutoZone bearing will last about a year. The bearing is cheaper than a new a/c clutch, but the snap rings are a PITA, so unless you are in a bind and need to replace it quickly, it's worth buying the Japanese bearing. However, the snap ring kit is worth it.
Bearing Distributors is local to me, and they are an authorized NSK distributor. They are more industrial-focused but were able to source the NSK bearing for $50 (including shipping since they don't stock automotive bearings). I'll pick mine up next week to replace the Santech bearing I put in about a year and a half ago.
I've not ordered from VXB, but it is a possible alternative for another Japanese bearing rather than shady eBay resellers who might have counterfeit parts.
-Mike
First, here are the two threads about how to replace the bearing:
A/C Pulley Bearing Replacement Thread #1
A/C Pulley Bearing Replacement Thread #2
Next are some links to the cheap parts:
Cheap-ass Santech Bearing at AutoZone
Santech snap rings and shims at AutoZone
Here are links to get real Japanese Bearings:
Columbia, SC company, Bearing Distributors, who can get the NSK bearing
Anaheim, CA company, VXB, has their own bearing
Same CA company also carries the Japanese-made Nachi bearing
Here's my two-cents about the bearings:
The AutoZone bearing will last about a year. The bearing is cheaper than a new a/c clutch, but the snap rings are a PITA, so unless you are in a bind and need to replace it quickly, it's worth buying the Japanese bearing. However, the snap ring kit is worth it.
Bearing Distributors is local to me, and they are an authorized NSK distributor. They are more industrial-focused but were able to source the NSK bearing for $50 (including shipping since they don't stock automotive bearings). I'll pick mine up next week to replace the Santech bearing I put in about a year and a half ago.
I've not ordered from VXB, but it is a possible alternative for another Japanese bearing rather than shady eBay resellers who might have counterfeit parts.
-Mike