A/C Pulley Question

[aaronsbiza]

95 ATX 94k,

A few months ago my A/C pulley clutch was not engaging and making chattering noises. I removed the fuse for the clutch coil and have not had any more chattering. I believe I simply needed to re-shim the clutch. That being, I have noticed a burnt rubber type of smell recently. Upon inspecting the Serpentine Belt to see if it was the compressor I noticed there was a black rubbery material that was coming out of the clutch area on the A/C Hub. I am going to take it apart this weekend, should I purchase a new hub? Is the black rubbery material the clutch surface? Can I buy the clutch surface separately?

Thanks

 

[fricker66]

I experienced the same black rubbery substance when the original clutch played out several years back. Your best bet is to purchase a new or rebuilt clutch package. Most automotive part stores will be able to get the part.

 

[rangerj]

When an A/C clutch melts down as described it is usually an A/C clutch bearing that has siezed, or the compressor is dragging and about to sieze. Loosen the belt and see if the pulley bearing is easy to turn or dragging. Does the bearing sound dry? With the belt loose, or off, is the compressor difficult to turn? You can put a socket on the end of the compressor and turn the crankshaft clockwise. It should turn with a little resistance.

 

[aaronsbiza]

When an A/C clutch melts down as described it is usually an A/C clutch bearing that has siezed, or the compressor is dragging and about to sieze. Loosen the belt and see if the pulley bearing is easy to turn or dragging. Does the bearing sound dry? With the belt loose, or off, is the compressor difficult to turn? You can put a socket on the end of the compressor and turn the crankshaft clockwise. It should turn with a little resistance.

I am going to check tonight and will let you know what I found out, thanks for your help.