Bad AC Clutch?

[PhILIE]

Hi Mud,

I really have my fingers crossed on this, so here goes.

Is there any chance that this is a bad AC clutch only? Meaning I can replace this <$200 part without discharging my AC and going through 700 dollars right before my wedding? That would be sweet.

I didn't know that these pieces were sold seperately until RavenTai cleared that up for me. Check here for full story. https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=87097

My AC had been working fine up until this happened - not so much now.

Thanks!

 

[John E Davies]

Nah, sorry - a bad clutch won't cause the belt to fry. The reason that happened is that the compressor locked up, probably due to low oil level.

Buy 'em both to be safe IMHO - you don't want to do the job twice. It takes a special puller to remove the clutch from the compressor - you won't have to acquire the tool if you get them as a unit.

The thing you have to REALLY worry about is this: where did all those pieces go? It is critical that you clean out the system 100% - this means replace the expansion valve, which is doubtless blocked, and the receiver dryer, which hopefully caught all the big pieces.

Flush every part, except the new bits, with solvent until no black crud comes out, and blow completely dry with compressed air.

Lots of Luck on this one - for me this would be a job for the ac shop..

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[MikeB]

I agree that your compressor is most likely bad. However, it is relatively easy to replace the clutch if you want to give that a try. You can borrow the special puller for a Denso clutch from Autozone. Be careful to check the gap between the clutch and compressor. Not much room to measure, so you can put it on with no shims and see if rubs then add shims for the right distance.

When you turn on the AC with the new clutch, be ready to turn it off quick if the clutch wobbles or the compressor is frozen. That will at least save your new clutch so it can be transfered to a new compressor.