A/C clutch

[AC]

The compressor quit and like an idiot I took the thing to the dealer to see what was wrong. After waiting the better part of the day for a call, I called them. " we're just tearing into it now" he tells me. fifteen minutes later I'm told I need a new compressor. $1250 plus refrigerant . I start calling around and find several places cheaper. When I go to pick it up it costs $72 for the "diagnosis" plus $8 for an enviornmental fee, plus tax.

Then I take it to an actual A/C shop and I'm told the pins on the front of the clutch snapped and all I need is a new clutch for my compressor. The estimate is free, plus the mechanic took me back in the shop and showed me a broken compressor like mine and how they would go about fixing it. His estimate was $500. $300 of that was labor. He said that the compressor would have to be removed to do the job.

In my manual it says that the clutch can be repaired without unhooking the refrigerant lines. Anyone ever try this? The A/C shop will sell me the part for $200 and I'm wondering just how hard a job it is.

What really chaps my hide though is their attitude at that dealership. Them and their "industry standard" crap. $86 bucks for an incorrect, or at the very least, incomplete "diagnosis". It sure makes me thankfull for TDR

 

[illflem]

Don't say no one told you so. Once you are out of warranty there is absolutely no need for the stealer.

 

[vc]

AC,

I just went through this and then some. My clutch snapped off like you described yours did in addition to other stuff.

I had to get a new clutch at the dealer-$185 plus tax- none of the aftermarket places cary the correct clutch for the compressor on the CTD Ram. They don't sell only the clutch plate; it comes with the pulley and coil.

Change the clutch and pulley only - that's what I did, so you have nice new surfaces without grooves.

It's fairly easy to do without removing compressor. Take the nut off, then with two small pry bars or two flat screwdrivers bent slightly near the tip(what I did) pry the clutch off. Careful with the shims in the clutch you don't loose them for later reuse. Put them opposite each other as you work it off and try to pry evenly. Watch your face when it comes off-wear eye protection.

Then you need snap ring pliers to remove the snap ring holding the pulley in place, then with the pry bars again work the pulley off and again wqatch your face when its coming off. Reverse procedure for install. Try to keep the shims off the old clutch and reuse on new one since this should make it easier to get correct gap between clutch and pulley.

 

[AC]

VC



I was hoping you would respond to my post. I saw the earlier thread when you were going through this but was unsure if you or a shop did the work.

After you unbolted the compressor were you able to lay it on the ground or did you suspend it some how?

Thanks in advance for responding. I was looking in the manual on how to do the job and they used three different specialty tools to pull the thing apart. I don't have any of those but bent screwdrives and brute force, I got plenty.

 

[vc]

AC,

Itook care of the clutch portion of my problems. I farmed out the evaporator since I didn't have the time it would have taken me versus the three hours it took the guy that came over and fixed it.

I never unbolted the compressor- left it in place. With a little wigling, I got my bent screwdrivers in there and pry pry pry. Watch the face though, that thing has sharp edges.

vc

 

[AC]

I ordered a new A/C clutch today from Mechanicsville Dodge. Those guys are great. $154 including shiping. I'll let you know how it goes.

AC



P. S. Thanks again for your help and encouragement. Merry Christmas

 

[AC]

I finally tackled the job yesterday. Removing the clutch plate went fine but I couldn't get the clutch pulley off. I pulled for all I was worth but felt I was starting to do damage to it, so I left it on. It was turning fine so I'm hoping the new clutch plate and the old pulley mesh properly.



so far so good, AC

 

[vc]

AC,

good going! Let us know if it acts up again. So far mine is doing good.

Happy holidays.

vc