Regapping AC compressor question

[SHOtimer]

I'll be regapping my compressor this weekend I have some wood shims to pull the face off. My question has to do with reassembly, how do I push the face back onto the compressor? I wouldn't think I'd want to use a hammer or anything that forceful. So, I would appreciate some suggestions from those who have accomplished it. Also, is it the face very hard to pry off with just wood shims? Thanx,
Doug

 

[Mr Anonymous]

SHOtimer:
I'll be regapping my compressor this weekend I have some wood shims to pull the face off. My question has to do with reassembly, how do I push the face back onto the compressor? I wouldn't think I'd want to use a hammer or anything that forceful. So, I would appreciate some suggestions from those who have accomplished it. Also, is it the face very hard to pry off with just wood shims? Thanx,
Doug

IIWM, I'd just go to AutoZone for the free loan-a-tool on the hub remover and installer. You just leave a deposit while borrowing the tools which they refund you when you return them. In your climate the wood shims will probably work OK for removal, but for the install if it won't slide on by hand, I'd borrow the tool instead of trying to force it.

 

[rangerj]

SHOTIMER,

The clutch face to compressor shaft is not a "press" fit. You can borrow the puller, as SHOOOOOOO( ) suggested, or use the shims to "pull" the face.

The most common reason for the need to pull the face is corrosion. Clean the shaft splines and coat them with a light coat of grease. Then the face can be pulled onto the shaft with the nut or bolt.

Use a "StrapWrench" to hold the face as you tighten the fastener (or loosen it). They make a "special tool" for holding the face (spanner wrench) but you can get by with the Strapwrench.

Measure the gap in three places around the clutch surfaces, then subtract, or add, spacers (shims)to acheive the desired gap. Recheck the gap after you have tried the A/C, that is, after the clutch has been activated several times.

If it is a new clutch the surfaces have to be burnished or "worn in". Do this by turning the A/C on for about 10 seconds, then off for about 20 seconds. Do this about 20 times.

Hope this helps, rangerj

 

[SHOtimer]

Thanx for the help. I will be doing this tomorrow morning. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanx,Doug