A/C Compressor Clutch - Goner?

[vesnyder]

Was in the process of recharging my AC compressor and the clutch started making a squeeling noise. Within a day or so the external most facing part of the compressor (outside of fan belt area) is not turning and AC is not blowing any cold. Does this mean the compressor is a goner? Can the clutch be fixed or does this require the entire compressor to be replaced? Have been considering revamping the entire AC anyway - this may expedite the decision!

[Mitch Leland]

Do you know if the compressor clutch is trying to engage so the electrical side of your system is good? If the compressor is bad I wouldn't mess with trying to rebuild it, buy a new one...

BTW: if the compressor disintegrated then you'll need to flush your system before adding any new equipment or charging the system.

[bfunke]

Clutches can fail and are replaceable but it requires special tools to pull them from the shaft. Does your compressor work? Grab the part of the clutch that is not freewheeling and try to turn your compressor. If it's frozen you likely have failed compressor. Mitch is correct in this case you should flush the system as metal fragments may have migrated downstream in the cooling lines and will cause you trouble later. The clutch is electrically activated and the circuit has a pressure switch to prevent running the compressor without refrigerant/oil. Check these things and perhap post a pic of anything you suspect.

Bryan

[DRACO A5OG]

I replaced mine, you need a circlip tool and rent for free the SST from a FLAPS.

[GH85Carrera]

Finding a replacement clutch is the tough part. They are very pricey. Swapping a clutch is no big deal. When I replaced my compressor it came with no clutch because the Nippondenso clutch is expensive. I just swapped my clutch from the old one to the new one. It was not that hard.

[vesnyder]

How can I check the electrical activation part of the compressor? The freewheeling part of the compressor turns no problem. Would like to check the electricak activation part before I do anything else. Any help would be appreciated.

[Scott R]

This can happen if you charge the wrong side of the system and slag the compressor with liquid. Locks the thing up and ruins the compressor. How many ounces did you put in?

also what was the high side pressure reading when it started squealing?

[Mitch Leland]

Vance,

You've already said that your compressor clutch will free wheel. Now do the following:

1. Turn the ignition on
2. Turn on the A/C temp and fan switches
3. You should hear both the condenser fan and the evaporator fan blowers working.
4. The compressor clutch should now be engaged.

If you have a second person one of you can stand at the compressor and you should be able to hear the clutch engage when you turn on the A/C.

If this is all working then you can look further for your problem... BTW: have you noticed any greasy substance being slung from the compressor pulley. It will end up around the rear right motor mount, or maybe across the deck lid. That would indicate a bad compressor seal.

[al lkosmal]

your clutch squealing can be an indication of low charge which will cause the compressor to lose its lube and also low refrigerant which causes the clutch to cycle rapidly and burn out...... or high pressure which will cause resistance and make the compressor/clutch to have to work harder. If the clutch has failed, due to being overworked/overheated...it can take the compressor seal with it.

regards,

Al

[vesnyder]

I did notice a greasy substance at new parts of the motor around the compressor - the compressor seal? Is this seal what seals the pulley? Is this repairable? Does this mean the clutch is gone as well or would this cause the compressor not to activate? Might be time for a professional!

[Flat Six]

Vance: You don't mention whether you're running the OE York compressor (looks like a big rectangular brick) or something updated like Sanden or Nippondenso. Here's a link that gives an overview of rebuilding a ND 10P15C that was used on Carreras:

Rebuild method for Nippondenso 10P15C A/C compressor

Won't help you a whole lot if you don't have an ND compressor but it will give you some idea of how the clutch attaches, where seals are, etc.

HTH

Dale