AC compressor clutch

[MDH]

Can the ac compressor clutch be changed without removing the compressor?
The reason I ask is the ac blows cold, BUT it sounds like a herd(?) of piglets squealing.......even at times when ac is off.
If I spray wd-40 into the clutch it quiets....for a few seconds.....
Maybe it's time for ac delete.

[mattdavis11]

You will probably need to at least unbolt it, but you shouldn't have to discharge the system. Just a tip, unless you have an impact, air or electric, gun you will want to remove the outer bolt before you unbolt and hang the compressor to remove the clutch assembly.

I remove the compressor entirely because it is easier that way, and I replace the shaft seal while I'm at it.

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by MDH

Can the ac compressor clutch be changed without removing the compressor?
The reason I ask is the ac blows cold, BUT it sounds like a herd(?) of piglets squealing.......even at times when ac is off.
If I spray wd-40 into the clutch it quiets....for a few seconds.....
Maybe it's time for ac delete.

Sure.

AC Compressor Clutch Coil Replacement On Car DIY.

GL
J_AZ

[MDH]

Thank you......now to go clutch shopping......and maybe new tools!!

[Bradical]

For what it's worth, if it is squeeking really bad when the clutch engages it might just be the belt. I thought my clutch was bad too because it screeched when the compressor engaged, but after I did my belt maintenance i noticed the belt was a little dry-rotted. New belt, retensioned and no more problems. Maybe start there?

[MDH]

Belt appeared good and correct tension......but, maybe I'll change it anyway..
It's a couple years old.

[kens_74_911s]

The Pulley has a dual roller bearing pressed into it and held in with a retaining ring. If you take the Ft clutch disk off ( center bolt) and remove the belt then you can evaluate the bearing . If necessary access the large snap ring to pull the pulley off the housing the clutch. The clutch solenoid is after that, attached to the Pump Body and probably not bad in your case.
There are 3 main parts attached to the AC Pump (not including fasteners and retaining rings).
Ft clutch face
Pulley with bearing
Clutch Solenoid

After clutch face is off you can evaluate the bearing before its removed.
bearings are available and can be replaced without a large press if you have a large socket or metal ring to press it back in on the OD.
Some Images of clutch parts off a bad compressor. I have these For sale or parts from them LMK.




another set of clutch parts





Compressor with clutch parts removed, shows hub that pulley bearing fits over.



Below what can happen when bearing seizes or bearings get so bad that it destroys the FT aluminum hub on the compressor - This is off my BMW. This happened when bearing got to loose lost a few balls then locked up. This took out the belt that also was wrapped around water pump-needed a 30 mile rollback tow home.

Attempting to replace pulley/ bearing without removing the Pump. The bearing ended up destroying the Compressor Ft casting. Note the BMW compressor splined input shaft VS keyed shaft on the Porsche compressor.

[MDH]

Thanks again....
All this info is a real help to a guy who
has to remind himself, occasionally........
lefty loosey and righty tighty.......................





and maybe new tools!!!