My 2002 f150 A\C clutch started squeeling when engaged and making a clanking/knocking sound when disengaged. So I need to replace it. AC still blows cold so I'm assuming the compressor is still good right?

Is this an easy one or is a puller needed to get it off? Can it be done on the truck? Also any other things to beware of if I do it myself. I'm also gonna do the belt at the same time. I know to check the other pullys for bearing wear.
I did many searches but didnt find too much about this... maybe cause it's not a big problem? Thanks for any comments!

 

Changing the clutch assembly is easy with the compressor off. Doing it on the truck? I dunno. It depends on if you can access the clutch parts.
To do it:
-Remove the clutch center bolt and pull off the clutch plate. (No puller needed, maybe a screwdriver if it's tight).
-Remove the snap ring holding the pulley onto the shaft and slide the pulley off. (No puller, maybe a screwdriver).
-The clutch coil is an interference fit like a wheel seal, timing cover seal, etc. You'll have to pry it off and tap the new one back on. If the potting over the coil doesn't appear damaged, you can just leave the old one on. That's your call
-Reverse the procedure to assemble. You'll need to adjust the clutch gap with the supplied shims. They go in the shaft hole in the clutch plate. Shoot for .015, the thickness of a business card.

To help get the clutch center bolt out; find the compressor relay and jumper it to engage the clutch, then remove the bolt before removing the drive belt.
Keep in mind, when the clutch or bearing fails it generates heat that can damage the compressor shaft seal. This "could" be a problem shortly. Sucess on replacing just the clutch kit is about 50-50, IMHE. It sounds as if your clutch plate has just fallen apart, so you "should" be ok.
Good Luck.

 

Thanks for the help! It doesent sound too bad to do myself. Just crossing fingers that the compressor is ok.

 

Just did my wife's 96 Explorer AC clutch... the hardest part was getting the spindle off the compressor. I left the compressor in the vehicle so I did a little gentle prying with a long screwdriver and tapped the new one back on using a mallet and a 12 inch piece of 2x2 wood since there is not enough clearance to tap the bottom. Just make sure you line up the electrical connection with the space it rests in on the compressor... Cost me $80 at Advance Auto... Pep Boys didn't stock it...

 

I got the new clutch from advance $89... it seems wider than the stock one but everthing seems like it will fit correctly when installed. I used 2 long craftsman screwdrivers on opposite sides and it all came off ok while still on the truck. I aligned the electrical conection with the notch on the compressor and used the old clutch plate and the retainer bolt to start to press on the new coil and alternated tightening and tapping till the plate bottomed out. Now I have to get it on the last little bit. A peice of wood and mallet should do the job like you say then install the pulley, adjust shims and plate. without removing it from the truck. Thanks for the suggestions guys!

 

Good work!
It's probably only the clutch disk that is wider, correct? There are a couple of different styles and they are usually interchangable.

 

I still havent finished it yet... this weekend. But the pully seems to be an extra groove or two wider. I roughly counted the ridges when i was under it the other day. I figured the belt would just go in the correct grooves to align correctly. the clutch plate where it slides onto the splined shaft seems longer too so i figure it should still shim correctly. If not i'll be really upset with the parts store for giving me the wrong one!!!

 

D'oh!
Try and determine if the pulley is wider to the front, rear, or equally front-rear so you can determine which grooves to fit the belt into. It might work ok but, personally, I would return it and get the right one.
Just look at it this way, At least it wasn't the whole engine!

(Note to self: Always compare old and new parts before installing.)

Oh, remember to put a drop of Loctite on the center bolt and get it tight. I see a lot of them where the clutch disk has fallen off not long after replacement because the bolt worked out.