996.1 ac compressor clutch seems to be going out...
Discussion
Hoping someone can help with suggestions of direct sources of parts and process for replacing just the clutch.
The AC works and my only symptoms are
1. a pulley rattle noise, it sounds like a tensioner or alternator/water pump bearing, and
2. an oil / greasey deposit that looks like it is coming from AC clutch or maybe the front of the compressor. I am hoping it is a fault that is limited to the clutch and not a front seal on the AC compressor which is causing it to shed it's oil.
At this point everything works and the only issue is a pulley rattle which is quite subdued, but I'm off on a 4.5k mile road trip across western US and I'd rather prefer it doesn't cause a major issue and that AC remains effective.
Any suggestions for process further investigation, or comments are most appreciated.
The AC works and my only symptoms are
1. a pulley rattle noise, it sounds like a tensioner or alternator/water pump bearing, and
2. an oil / greasey deposit that looks like it is coming from AC clutch or maybe the front of the compressor. I am hoping it is a fault that is limited to the clutch and not a front seal on the AC compressor which is causing it to shed it's oil.
At this point everything works and the only issue is a pulley rattle which is quite subdued, but I'm off on a 4.5k mile road trip across western US and I'd rather prefer it doesn't cause a major issue and that AC remains effective.
Any suggestions for process further investigation, or comments are most appreciated.
follow up in case this is helpful to anyone...
I removed serpentine belt and undid 10mm bolt on front of compressor. It's a standard `righty tighty lefty loosey' thread so I held on to the pulley and used a few smart whacks on spanner with blunt instrument. The front plate off came of with a single spacing washer. I removed the circlip and used 3 legged puller to remove pulley from compressor shaft.
The bearing in the pulley had some play and I was able to remove it using the same 3legged puller and an arrangement of large washers to push the bearing out of pulley. The bearing was NSK L41 35BD5222dum18A which I believe refers to a bearing with dimensions 35 x 52 x 22mm, apparently a common size for automotive bearings and I just rang around to various local vendors after searching google.
It's clear that at least locally to me nobody wants to press a bearing in and then have some potential liability downstream and conversely everyone wants to sell a compressor... Allegedly it is not uncommon to replace the bearing to later learn that the bearing died as a consequence of the compressor failing, or so the person said who wanted to sell the compressor. A choice of $20 for a bearing or 450+ for a compressor, plus faffing about getting the AC drained and recharged. So at least for now the bearing is getting changed.
Back home to stick the bearing in the freezer and the pulley in the sun. Nap time... Later another arrangement of bits of metal/larger washers and the same three legged puller and then a white PVC pipe fitting and rubber mallet and new bearing was in place. Actually it wasn't in exactly the right place as when I bolted it all back together the front plate just locked up solid to the clutch. So I messed around finding a couple of washers that would *just* space the plate off the pulley when the center bolt was tight.
This seems to be OK as when the engine is running the compressor pulley spins freely and when the AC is activated it all locks together.
calling it good until it leaps sideways out of the engine bay.
I removed serpentine belt and undid 10mm bolt on front of compressor. It's a standard `righty tighty lefty loosey' thread so I held on to the pulley and used a few smart whacks on spanner with blunt instrument. The front plate off came of with a single spacing washer. I removed the circlip and used 3 legged puller to remove pulley from compressor shaft.
The bearing in the pulley had some play and I was able to remove it using the same 3legged puller and an arrangement of large washers to push the bearing out of pulley. The bearing was NSK L41 35BD5222dum18A which I believe refers to a bearing with dimensions 35 x 52 x 22mm, apparently a common size for automotive bearings and I just rang around to various local vendors after searching google.
It's clear that at least locally to me nobody wants to press a bearing in and then have some potential liability downstream and conversely everyone wants to sell a compressor... Allegedly it is not uncommon to replace the bearing to later learn that the bearing died as a consequence of the compressor failing, or so the person said who wanted to sell the compressor. A choice of $20 for a bearing or 450+ for a compressor, plus faffing about getting the AC drained and recharged. So at least for now the bearing is getting changed.
Back home to stick the bearing in the freezer and the pulley in the sun. Nap time... Later another arrangement of bits of metal/larger washers and the same three legged puller and then a white PVC pipe fitting and rubber mallet and new bearing was in place. Actually it wasn't in exactly the right place as when I bolted it all back together the front plate just locked up solid to the clutch. So I messed around finding a couple of washers that would *just* space the plate off the pulley when the center bolt was tight.
This seems to be OK as when the engine is running the compressor pulley spins freely and when the AC is activated it all locks together.
calling it good until it leaps sideways out of the engine bay.
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