A/C Compressor Clutch
 

My A/C compressor clutch has begun making noises when A/C is off. No noise when A/C is on. I'm guessing bearings? Has anyone replaced just the bearing in the clutch?

I have never rebuilt a AC compressor clutch (but I did stay in a Holiday Inn last night). I have been told that it is not a hard job but depending on the compressor, this may be a good time to upgrade if you have a York to a Sanden wobble-plate which is a far better unit. If you have a Nippondenso, they are not bad compressors and are very rebuildable. If you screw it up, it will make a great core for a rebuilt unit.

If interested I have a "purchased and never installed" in the box compressor clutch that was almost $700. I'll sell it to you for $250 if interested.

I will assume you have a Nippondenso 10P15C compressor. The hub and pulley can be removed with the compressor in the car (and the system left charged) using the appropriate tools. You can improvise with a strap wrench or perhaps borrow the hub holding tool from the likes of AutoZone. Take care not to lose the gap shims or other small parts such as washers. Once the pulley is on the bench the snap ring may be removed and the bearing can be pushed out and a new one installed. I believe a NSK DF0888 40mm x 62mm x 20.6mm(outside width) x 24mm (inside width) replacement or equivalent bearing is required. The new bearing must be installed by loading (pushing on) the outer race only.

http://www.polarbearinc.com/PBPC/homepage/product_Bearings.html

http://www.sunairusa.com/eBulletins/Bearings-8new/Clutch_Pulley_Bearings.pdf

See this tech article:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_Nippondenso_rebuild/911_Nippondenso_rebuild.htm

Thanks Jim. I do have the 10P15C.

Turns out it is the Hub rubbing against the Pulley. I did take the cover off, and could see wear on the back side of the cover and front side of the pulley. So I then put the cover back on and while pushing in the center of the cover I spun the pulley, and heard the scraping/metal sound. I talked to Polar Bear, he is sending me some shims to add to slightly increase the gap between the cover and pulley. There was only one shim.