Archived A/C Compressor Clutch wobbling???

[C. Harlan]

Hey y'all. . I noticed a sort of grinding/squeaking noise when the truck is running. . I turned on the A/C the other day, and heard it a little louder than before... I opened the hood and noticed that the compressor clutch has a little wobble to it... Is this ok to use? Is it going to seize up and tear my belt off while I am driving?? I just went on a trip to south Texas this weekend, and was afraid to use it, despite the 90 degree temps... Can y'all help me out? Can you replace the clutch and only the clutch, or does the whole compressor have to be replaced? I need to use my damn A/C, but don't want the thing to seize up while I am driving, ya know?? Any and all help would be appreciated!!



-Chris-

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Mine did that last year and I didn't notice it until smoke was pouring out from under the hood (belt smoking). I had to put a new compressor on. Mine is a '98. 5 and has 170k on it at the time.

 

[R C Cola]

Pulley Wobble

AC pulley is centered and rides on bearing. If you can see it wobble the bearing is shot and will come apart. Do not reccomend more than a mile or two to get to a shop if needed. Any good AC shop can care for this. If you want to run without AC you can get the belt for the non-AC truck and it will work just fine to get you home or whatever. To have the clearance for the shorter belt to be used you will have to loosen the compressor bolts and take them out one at a time and place a spacer washers or oversized nut between the compressor and the block, it moves the compressor away from the block allowing the belt to run in the new position without rubbing against the clutch pulley. The compressor is the same age as the pulley bearing, do you really want to replace the bearing only? If you have to save money do the belt. If you need air, DO THE COMPRESSOR ! Been there Done that. . R C

 

[C. Harlan]

I know I need a new compressor, but I was asking if the clutch was a seperate piece, or if it was one whole unit. . I found one at NAPA for ~250, so I will probably go that route. Any more comments are appreciated!



-Chris-

 

[tp0d]

If the compressor is still working, I wouldnt change it. There is a complete clutch assembly that is activated via supermagnet inside the clutch, and those bearings can wear out. If you can feel any wiggle on the whole clutch assembly with the engine off, you probably just need a new clutch. I`m not certain the clutch is replaceable, but if it isnt, thats some horrible design. Hmm. . I`ll have to do this sometime, gotta find out. .



The AC shaft is pretty short, and very stout. . doubtful its damaged. A new clutch should be less than 80$



good luck



-j

 

[R C Cola]

Clutch Only ?

Check your prices clutch onlly cost is usually almost as much as complete unit. Problem if you are having to pay a shop to do the work final cost to do it right will be high $ $ . R C

 

[WDixon27]

sometimes you can press the bearing out of the pulley and match it up at a bearing supply place varly cheep (20 odd bucks), and do the whole job without breaking the system open

 

[tp0d]

Check your prices clutch onlly cost is usually almost as much as complete unit. Problem if you are having to pay a shop to do the work final cost to do it right will be high $ $ . R C

Check the thread here:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30419



Dodge's price was 154$. I did some searching around and cant find a price online for the clutch assembly. I did find the whole compressor though at 250-300... (195+ship on ebay tho)



Removing the clutch assembly is cake compared to removing the entire compressor, evacuating the system, and refilling. And there is always the chance for leaks when disassembling old hoses...



I changed the clutch assembly on my sisters 01 ford escort in less than 30mins with just hand tools, and there is NO room in that thing. Should be much easier on our trucks, tho it looks like you should have the correct puller to make it easier. .



just my 2c



-j

 

[obert]

I havent found a clutch only avail. for my 98. 5 yet. It looks like the pully wobbels, but 2 of the bands on the front are broke and the pole shoe sticks out on one side and drags on the other. The compressor works great, Id hate to replace it.



I dont see the thing seizing up, but I'm half afraid the outer ring of the pole shoe will fly off and take out a rad hose or somthing important.....