AC Compressor Clutch Replacement, to do or not to do?

E

eplanajr

New member
I got a little helicopter (tapping noise) coming from the engine bay. Upon inspection last night, I noticed that whenever the AC clutch engages, the noise starts up... so...

Have any of you replaced just the clutch? I have searched the forum and can't find anybody providing details to the job.

Thanks guys.
 
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When it happened to mine, I found that you can just replace the clutch. I however just bought a new Denso compressor online and swapped it in. I think if you find a Factory service manual it will outline the clutch replacement.
 
So long story short, same noise, same symptom. I ordered an AC clutch, around $80 to $90, pulled the old clutch, not TOO difficult.

When i got ready to install the new clutch, i noticed the shaft on the AC compressor had basically worn a groove on half of the outside tapered part, about 1/16th of an inch. It's like the old AC clutch was harder material than the compressor.

So now i'll be having a compressor installed before it warms up.
 
You might get the noise from the compressor itself. How do you figure out the noise is coming from the clutch?

It is easy to replace the clutch. You will need a 10 mm spanner and a snap ring pliers to remove the clutch.

To have a good mileage with your clutch, apply compressed air to the clutch whenever you clean your truck engine with compressed air.
 
So I had the same issue. When the clutch was engaged, I would hear the "helicopter" sound as mentioned above, and the pulley would start to wobble. I originally thought the clutch bearing was bad(which it may have still been).So I bought the Century Auto clutch bearing and pressed it in. The ring was quite difficult to remove. However, after replacement, the wobble was better but not gone. Apparently, the inside collar that the bearing slides onto is worn down to the point that the bearing and clutch itself wobbles on the collar. This collar is part of the compressor housing. Replacing the compressor next..bummer
 
mochilln00 said:
So I had the same issue. When the clutch was engaged, I would hear the "helicopter" sound as mentioned above, and the pulley would start to wobble. I originally thought the clutch bearing was bad(which it may have still been).So I bought the Century Auto clutch bearing and pressed it in. The ring was quite difficult to remove. However, after replacement, the wobble was better but not gone. Apparently, the inside collar that the bearing slides onto is worn down to the point that the bearing and clutch itself wobbles on the collar. This collar is part of the compressor housing. Replacing the compressor next..bummer
Click to expand...

I know this thread is a few years old, but do you have a link to the bearing you purchased?
 
Can a mod let me start a new thread i have a urgent problem with compressor install. Need to know if the wire plugs into the compressor. I ordered a new one but on the old one the wire was not plugged into what i'm assuming is the temperature sensor. Pleade help asap
 
There is a one wire that is plugged into the magnetic coil to pull the clutch on the compressor. There is no temp sensors around.

A picture would be ideal to solve the issue you have.
 
Mine is on the Fritz to!! It might be better to order a whole new rebuilt compressor! I know it's a lot easier and I found a nice refurbished/rebuilt one with less than 100k on eBay for less than 200 bones that way you got a whole new unit that you know it's been rebuilt good to go. Ima lol about simplicity and if I'm going to do the work I might as well upgrade and by the whole unit for a little more money
HTH
 
Presticlese said:
Mine is on the Fritz to!! It might be better to order a whole new rebuilt compressor! I know it's a lot easier and I found a nice refurbished/rebuilt one with less than 100k on eBay for less than 200 bones that way you got a whole new unit that you know it's been rebuilt good to go. Ima lol about simplicity and if I'm going to do the work I might as well upgrade and by the whole unit for a little more money
HTH
Click to expand...

I'd have more confidence in a factory original Denso compressor with a new clutch than a lot of the rebuilds out there.
 
Just wanted to let you know that reman AC compressors are no good. Find a low mile AC compressor. The way to check the compressor is to cover the high side by thumb and turn the compressor about 45 degrees. You should feel a high pressure at your thumb.
 
Advance auto has a 30% off sale right now. I had a $20 off coupon from a previous purchase. A brand new Denso compressor is $247.99 before tax with free shipping to your house with the sale and coupon. I've dealt with remanufactured compressors before. I would not do it again.
 
Thanks azrex.

jsukey... if you have prime Amazon will get it to you for 200 after tax. Partsgeek looks the same. I think I may go the partsgeek route.

Im going to get after this soon after the compressor comes in. I'll try to remember to post my experience.
 
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