Troubleshooting AC Compressor - Need Advice

[gurucomputers]

I am just thinking about replacing the clutch since it was bad when I bought the vehicle 3 years ago. I have read multiple threads here regarding the compressor. I put a socket on the shaft nut and was able to turn the compressor clockwise freely with my hand and the clutch disengaged of course. While turning it there was no signs of binding, grinding just smooth. Is this normal or should it be stiff enough to have to use a ratchet. This tells me that the compressor is not locked up. Could this because there is a lack of freon or it has gernaded. What advice can you give me so I can get my ac back.

 

[Ishodu]

It should turn quite easy actually. If the clutch is busted up try a new one and see. Maybe it would be a good idea to verify that there is a charge in the system before you do too much work as well.

 

[GreenShoOwner]

I'm just a noob here, but..

When the compressor isn't compressing, there should be no load on the system. ...The clutch should be disengaged. ...Which is why it spins freely when the clutch/car is off. If you took the input to the clutch and put it to 12V+ it should cause the clutch to engage. (Well on the after-market kit on my Ranger it does anyways...) ...It should make a good smacking sound and make the pulley hard to turn. ...But that's as much as I know. ...How hard it should be to turn, or any way to tell if it's working or not, I don't know. ...But I have heard there are some shims in the clutch that allow you to adjust it down, so that you don't have to replace the whole thing.

Good luck to you. -- Be forewarned, I am a noob.