I have a AC compressor clutch that has let go. the serpentine belt pulley is wobbling like crazy around body of the clutch making strange noises and the clutch is trying to engage but can very well. How does the AC clutch come off. Do I need to drop the compressor for access. Are special tools needed for removal? Thanks for the replies

 

Haven't worked on an a/c in years, but it sounds like the bearing in the pulley is toast, which most likely damaged the clutch. The compressor assembly is comprised of the compressor itself(pumps the refrigerant), a coil(pulls the clutch and locks it against the pulley like a magnet when powered up), the clutch is splined onto the compressor shaft and turns the compressor shaft as fast as the pulley turns.

Most clutches have a nut in the middle that needs removing, then you need to have a puller, which a free loaner maybe available at Autozone. The pulley is "usually" held on by way of a big snap ring or some of the newer models are pressed on I think.

 

Yeah, am air is pretty much on target.

You need a clutch hub and pulley. you'll need a large snap ring plier and a couple of short prybars to remove the hub and pulley.

Pretty easy job...

Steve

 

A three jawed puller works better than the prybars in my experience. Less gouging of the pump.

Rockauto has a hub for $47, pulleys range from $38-$58, bearing for $23, or the whole assembly with the coil for $110.

 

I would recommend replacing the clutch as an assembly kit, with the parts mentioned. usually when one component of the set goes, the rest are damaged. The benefit to not replacing the whole compressor is not having to open the refrigerant system.

 

Thnaks guys. i replaced the entire clutch assembly it simply slid right off with a light tap of the hammer. No puller needed at all. Compressor still blowing cold and new clutch engaging well after setting it up to about 17thou gap.