drwet

What is involved with replacing the clutch on the A/c compressor? Mine is making some noise, but the compressor seems to be fine. Noise stops when the A/C is on and the clutch is engaged.

CA-Legal-Vette

Interested too.

chevymans 77

More than likely the pulley brg. if it stops when engaged

remove the belt and try and wiggle the pulley, if it moves any at all its the bearing

Neal

drwet

It sounds like I should be able to replace that without removing the compressor. I've never had one apart before. I have always replaced the compressor and clutch as an assembly, but the system works well and has a fresh charge. I'm hoping to fix it without opening the system.

Red86Z51

What is the clearance (in thousandths) between the magnet and clutch plate?

Clearance too tight can make a heck of a racket when the system is iff and the clutch is disengaged. A fix might be as basic as a simple adjustment....

mikep3

https://www.shopcenturyautoair.com/s...Kit__7634.html
Try this video.

jeffstuarts

The clutch can be easily replaced on the car with the proper removal/installation tool. You can borrow one from the major parts chains like O'Reilley's, Auto Zone, etc. Don't even think about doing it without the tool. There are videos on line that show the process. I did this on a compressor that was off the car but I didn't see any reason why it couldn't be done with compressor on.
Jeff

domenic tallarita

It is variable, .022 to .056. That is because the plate on the clutch hub is hand laid in a fixture. it has 3 flat springs riveted to it. Least to most, .022 least all around the hub and .056 the most all around the hub.

Dom

domenic tallarita

The new replacement clutch hubs are about spot on as far as run out,(wobble). They do not have the cut outs on the face as the stock ones. they would not pass judging.
The advice about using the correct tool is necessary and the only way to install the clutch hub without damaging the thrust bearings inside the compressor. Lock your hammers up in the tool box because if you tap on the hub, you are tapping against the roller bearings on the thrust washer. The new clutch hub needs to be PULLED on with the special tool.
After the installation re-check the clearance between the pulley and clutch hub.

Dom

Red86Z51

Actually Dom, I was asking the OP what his clearances are. He never said he checked. His noise symptoms point to the possibility of the clearance being too tight. It's a fast check and much easier to fix than replacing the clutch.

Thanks for posting the specs. I was away from my books when I asked the OP that question.

Dave