A/C Clutch died
10-09-2003, 01:44 AM
#1
Three Wheelin'
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A/C Clutch died
My AC died a week ago. Sunday at a DE, I developed a noise. A guy there said it was my AC clutch, which appears to have since fallen apart (and the noise changed).
What kind of work will I probably have to do to fix this? Is it bad to run the car in its current state? It's October, so not having AC is almost bearable, so I can wait a while to fix it, if it won't hurt the car.
Here are some pics. Sunday there was a plate on the front of there.
What kind of work will I probably have to do to fix this? Is it bad to run the car in its current state? It's October, so not having AC is almost bearable, so I can wait a while to fix it, if it won't hurt the car.
Here are some pics. Sunday there was a plate on the front of there.
10-09-2003, 02:31 AM
#2
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You should be OK if you keep the AC and defroster off. That's just part of the clutch, if the bearing/pulley is not too loose, you should be fine for now.
10-09-2003, 10:22 AM
#4
Burning Brakes
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chances are that the compressor is locked up and that's what did the damage to the clutch. Put a socket, I think it's 12mm, on the nut in the center of the clutch and try to turn it in a clockwise direction. That nut sits on the end of the crankshaft of the compressor and should turn with little resistence.
10-09-2003, 12:26 PM
#5
Race Car
MHT is right about the locked up compressor and 12 mm. I had one of my cars with a bad pulley bearing on the compressor though. Eventually, it locked up and the a/c belt broke from slipping on a locked pulley even without the a/c on. You can pry the clutch assembly off and remove a big snap ring to remove the pulley and get to the bearing. You are better off replacing the compressor though if you have a spare or can get one cheap.
10-09-2003, 09:16 PM
#6
Three Wheelin'
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DerSchlechtSpecht, how much do you want for it?
I just lowered the car back down...so I'll check that bolt next week.
I played with everything with the engine on and...
the belt on there is not having any problem moving.
The plate forward of the belt is loose, when I put pressure on it, the rattle goes away, and I can twist it with ease.
If it's safe to run like this, I can handle waiting a bit, since it'll only reach 90 this weekend.
I just lowered the car back down...so I'll check that bolt next week.
I played with everything with the engine on and...
the belt on there is not having any problem moving.
The plate forward of the belt is loose, when I put pressure on it, the rattle goes away, and I can twist it with ease.
If it's safe to run like this, I can handle waiting a bit, since it'll only reach 90 this weekend.
10-09-2003, 09:37 PM
#7
Racer
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exact same thing happened to me recently. i had a used pulley with a good bearing put on until i replace the whole comp., since the noise was horrible. . . any other old but hopefully working compressors out there?
sacramento's not fun without a/c
tia
elvisizer
sacramento's not fun without a/c
tia
elvisizer
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10-09-2003, 10:18 PM
#9
Three Wheelin'
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Well, here is the catch. You have to take the entire compressor and take the clutch off yourself. The compressor works but the mounting brackets broke off so I opted for a brand new compressor. I figure 20 bucks.
Christian
Christian
10-11-2003, 09:15 PM
#10
Three Wheelin'
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I was on my way to the local PCA autoX school this morning and noticed some smoke from the hood. The A/C clutch had siezed and melted/snapped the alternator belt. Fortunately, eXotic motorwerks was close by, and they were able to replace the belt quickly. Unfortunately, they didn't have any good compressors in stock, so I have more of a temporary fix, until I can get a new compressor. But it didn't melt/snap after a day of autocross and the trip home...coulda used that A/C though...it was hot today...