AC Compressor: Removing the Pulley
08-02-2006, 01:12 AM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
AC Compressor: Removing the Pulley
Does anybody know how to remove the pully from an AC compressor? I removed the single 13mm nut, but the thing wont budge. It looks like the bolt has an allen shape hole in it, but I can't find my allen set to see if holding the nut allows the pulley to spin off...
Can anybody shed some light on this?
Pic for reference:
Can anybody shed some light on this?
Pic for reference:
08-02-2006, 04:57 AM
#2
Instructor
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You need a tool ! You can buy one, or You can prepare it in any machine shop. It's a thick threaded bolt (about 1"thick) with metric thread (You have to measure it). There is a threaded hole inside the thick bolt for another thin (about 8 mm) longer bolt. You screw in the thick bolt into the pulley, then screw in the thin one inside to push out the compressor shaft.
No way to extract the pulley without the tool. Any other attempt will destroy the pulley/clutch.
No way to extract the pulley without the tool. Any other attempt will destroy the pulley/clutch.
08-02-2006, 08:57 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
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Try autozone for the a/c pulley puller. It is free if you return it.... It looks like it threads into the clutch assembly and has a nut on the other end to push the pulley/clutch off the hub of the compressor.
08-02-2006, 01:07 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
i dont know, i pulled the nut off of mine and the front just came off. THen there are two circlips that hold the rest on there after that. MAke sure you put those all the way back in your itll fall apart and eat itself like mine did.
08-02-2006, 02:02 PM
#6
Instructor
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The tool is the best way but in some cases you can get if off by gently prying with two screwdrivers between the outside plate portion of the clutch and the pulley. The metal on the plate and the pulley are quite thick, so it would be pretty hard to damage them. The biggest worry is damaging the rubber center of the clutch. Hopefully the interference fit isn't too bad on yours and it won't take a lot of force to get it off.
08-02-2006, 02:16 PM
#7
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I tried lightly prying with one flat-head screwdriver and it moved very slightly. I think I'll use the puller just to make it easy on myself...when I get frustrated I tend to bend/break things, so I'd like to avoid that 
I need this off so I can mount it to a ghetto AC delete bracket. I don't care if I damage the clutch, as long as the pulley spins freely and isn't out of round. I should have just sprung for the Lindsey Racing AC delete bracket, but didn't have the money at the time. At least this way I can keep the factory belt (which is almost brand new anyway).
I need this off so I can mount it to a ghetto AC delete bracket. I don't care if I damage the clutch, as long as the pulley spins freely and isn't out of round. I should have just sprung for the Lindsey Racing AC delete bracket, but didn't have the money at the time. At least this way I can keep the factory belt (which is almost brand new anyway).
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08-02-2006, 05:21 PM
#9
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by dacula951
Two screwdrivers, one on the opposite side from the other, will do much better. If it moved a little with one, I think you have a good shot by using two.
Thanks fellas.
_____________
Chris
'88 924S
'01 GTi 1.8T
08-03-2006, 11:54 AM
#11
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by testarossa_td
I used the autozone tool...worked smooth.
08-03-2006, 12:20 PM
#12
Race Car
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The first time this happened I spent much bucks and bought a new clutch/pulley assembly(($250+IIRC)) Took the time, felt good for having accomlished something, then the compressor wasted out! not a happy camper... The next time I had one that needed anything....I went to ebay and bought a rebuilt compressor with AC clutch/pulley assembly a lot cheaper!
ebay is your best friend here....and if you already have it off you will need to vac the system, replace the drier etc anyway so....your choice. Rarely does the clutch go without help from the compressor....and I have had it even take out the climate control unit.
A cheaper(not always) but more risky path is to buy a "working" used one from someone else, this is fine, but is probably a 20+year old compressor as well that just has not failed yet.
With ebay just make sure you get the right compressor with the correct pulley.
ebay is your best friend here....and if you already have it off you will need to vac the system, replace the drier etc anyway so....your choice. Rarely does the clutch go without help from the compressor....and I have had it even take out the climate control unit.
A cheaper(not always) but more risky path is to buy a "working" used one from someone else, this is fine, but is probably a 20+year old compressor as well that just has not failed yet.
With ebay just make sure you get the right compressor with the correct pulley.
08-03-2006, 03:12 PM
#14
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Thanks again for the responses guys, but I'm actually **** canning the compressor itself. I just need the belt pulley to mount to a ghetto AC delete bracket. 
It's for the track car
It's for the track car
