Who has the fix? Is a new compressor needed or can I just replace the clutch?

 

Does it happen with the A/c on and off? Or just when It's on?

 

mine does it when the a/c is on and off...autozone has one for like $215 remanufactured and advance price matches....just an FYI

 

Had similar problem last year. My mechanic installed a new clutch pack on the original compressor. IIRC the clutch cost somewhere around $150.00 - $200.00 and took about an hour or so to replace. Pretty sure it was OEM. Has been working silently ever since.

 

Yea, that's the route I want to take. i hear it's 4 bolts to unhitch the compressor fromt he block and it'll hang down low enough to allow you to remove the pulley for some bench work to remove the bearing. I' think I'm going to tackle it today. Should I do a DIY?

 

Alright, I removed the clutch pack, pully and bearing. Checked out the bearing and it looks and spins fine. Then i pressed the clutch cover back on the spline and turned it and it's not turning. It appears that the problem lies within the ac compressor.

does this mean that I need a new compressor?

 

Takes 10 min to take the ac pulley/clutch out...very easy

And yes you most likely need a new compressor. Get one at AZ for 220.

 

Autozone? ok, will do. I think I'm going to need the dryer and all the other parts.

 

many cars thr clutch and pulley cant be removed were lucky on our cars it can.

 

you can say that again. Although, in my case it didn't help me.

On another note, one can tell which bearing on thier ac compressor is bad by when it makes the noise. If you have a bearing sound when the ac is not engaged, then it's the pully bearing. An easy 30 min fix.

If you have a bearing sound when the air conditioner is engaged, then it's most likely the bearing inside the compressor and you will need to replace the unit.

That was my case, where the splined shaft coming out of the compressor is hard to turn.

 

Mine's been making a little bit of noise when engaged for about 3-4 yrs I know it's the bearing!!!! You won't be able to replicate the sound or condition with your hands alone.....

 

can someone explain how to get the pulley and clutch assembly off? I keep seeing "oh that's easy" but I can't get the clutch off without a special puller. Am I missing something?

I have the service manual and it references a KV99232340 (J-38874) puller.

 

First I did a bypass belt and then I opted to get a junkyard compressor and used the pulley...but it too made a noise. Anyways after living with it a while, I ordered a bearing and took it to a local shop in Hamden, CT. Norkor Clutch...very honest and very good; guy let me watch.