Need procedure for AC clutch replacement.

[drdave]

I've got my 93 running again. The AC clutch went out last summer. I would like to replace the clutch without removing the compressor. Can somebody please point me in the right direction?

The reason I want to do it with it on the car is because it still has R12, and don't want to loose it or retrofit if I don't have to.

Which brings me to another question. How can I check the R12 level without the compressor running? If there is not enough of a charge in there, I'll just replace the compressor and do the retrofit.

<small>[ February 14, 2003, 06:28 PM: Message edited by: drdave ]</small>

 

[BIGSHOMIKE]

You can use the search function for where I did mine type in A/C Question and type in my member #2824

 

[rktmn]

I did mine from the bottom. I removed the fender liner, raise the car on one side, loosened the nut, removed the belt, and the pulley came out.

The first time my a/c guy did it, he torched a hole on the body, lined up with the pulley, and took the nut out with an impact wrench. But when a did it several years later, I used the method described above. My SHO was an ATX then.

 

[rangerj]

DRDAVE, Are you going to replace the clutch coil, pulley, and clutch face as an assembly? Actually this is the only way. You can get a "static" pressure test on the A/C charge.

If I remember Auto Zone has a pressure gauge for that in both R-12, and R-134a. I think the guage is color coded, green=good, yellow= ok, and red =bad, or something like that. Call them and ask, or check with another auto parts store, or a shop that specializes in A/C work.

Before removing the belt, loosen and remove the nut (or bolt) holding the clutch face to the compressor shaft. A "strap wrench" can also be used to hold the clutch face from turning.

Since you are replacing you whole assembly, you can pry the face off of the compressor shaft with a pair of screwdrivers between the clutch surfaces.

Then there is a snap ring that holds the pulley on, and another snap ring that holds the coil to the compressor. The snap rings are beveled on one side, the beveled side should face YOU.

Remember this when you put the new clutch assembly on the compressor. Also, the little washers inside the clutch face (center) are used to "GAP" the face and the pulley clutch surface at about .035 US.

As noted above, it is easier to get access if you remove the fender liner. The pin pulls out of the middle of the fender liner retainers. rangerj