Well my AC clutch bearing is pretty much dead, making a horrible timing-chain like noise when it's deactivated and a bit of a wobble when it's activated. Even when I fix all my suspension noises it's still annoying and embarrassing, not to mention probably going to give out pretty soon and take everything on the same belt (alternator at the least) with it.

I don't have the kind of cash to replace the whole compressor assembly, so is there a way I can just buy a smaller belt and bypass the AC altogether? It looks like in cars without AC there's an idler pulley where the AC is as it would be a tight fit otherwise.

Also, I was hoping that there was a way I could replace the whole clutch assembly or something, I haven't looked at it too closely but it seems like I might be able to get the compressor off and yank the clutch etc... or maybe I could find one at a junkyard...

CLIFFS: AC taking a slow dump, can I bypass it with a belt or replace the clutch assembly?

 

It IS possible to service the clutch side of the compressor via FSM but you will have to have a donor compressor anyway I would imagine. Doubt the parts would be cheaper but maybe. The FSM shows a special service tool to hold the clutch in place while the bolt is removed.

I think Ceasar has bypassed his AC, you can pm him about belt number info.

Nissan also might be able to give you a part number.

 

Look for the downloadable FSM you lazy azz .

I can post the exploaded view of the compressor when I am at home if you are helpless.

 

there is the one guy that replaced his, that i remember. i think its in the stickies.
http://forums.maxima.org/showpost.ph...6&postcount=50


and i think the belt size to bypass the AC is in the fsm too. or here http://forums.maxima.org/showpost.ph...6&postcount=40

the tool you need to pull the clutch can be rented at autozone

 

I have an a/c compressor that you can have for cheap..

It looks the same as the maxima one, but the hoses didnt fit. The guy i bought it from told me it was from a 97...

Anyway, just pay for shipping and like $10 and you can have it. (Like $20).

Let me know if youre interested.

 

that is awesome, thanks a bunch.

Justin I'll see if I can find the FSM...

 

Are there different P/Ns for the compressor on different years? I would get on the horn with the service department about that. If you end up just swapping the compressor you should be able to fumble your way through it.

 

I have spent so damn much money on that car at this point I don't want to do any more than I have to. I'll be ordering the bearing as soon as I find out which one I need.

 

Then do the belt....

 

yes, actually on '96 models alone (I30's anyways) there are THREE different compressors.