I suspect bearings are going bad (smell, some rattling). Is this a repalceable item on an '89?

 

Yes I have done mine. I got the clutch assembly from Advance Auto. Not that bad to do.

 

Oddly enough, I was just on the site.
Unless I missed it, they don't have just the clutch, listing only compressors with or without clutch.
Do you remember how much you paid?
Do you need special tools and does the system actually have to be opened?

 

TLD Corvette Parts
PN 516552
$217.00
I'll bet you can buy a complete compressor for less. Down side is if you do only the clutch you do not open the system. If you change the compressor you are in for a compressor,dryer,expansion valve as well as a recharge. Makes the clutch look attractive.

 

I'd make sure the compressor isn't seizing first. Remove the belt and turn the outer hub - should turn freely with minimal resistance. Check for oil too on the hood above the compressor. Nippo compressors have an affinity for eating up the shaft seal.

Most of the Discounters sell the clutch assembly, though usually it's the Factory Aire Brand and the appearance isn't the same. If that's important, you will have to stick with OEM - Dealer (or The Last Detail is a competitive source). The pulley bearing is servicable - NAPA should be able to order one for you, but if that's all you replace, make sure the face plate/outer hub is square with the pulley. When ordering - the compressor is the Nippondenso 10PA20C.

To R & R, grasp the outer hub with a strap wrench or oil filter pliers. Remove the 10 mm nut. Put your hand underneath it as the hub is shimmed and wriggle off the plate, catching any shims. Pulley - and Coil underneath - are held on by snap rings so use snap ring pliers to remove them. Installation is the reverse. Make sure the snap rings are seated. Shim the outer hub until there is a .020 clearance between it and the pulley - you'll probably have to put it on and pull it off a couple of times to get it right. Torque the 10 mm nut to 10 ft/lbs. Shim kit isn't included with the OEM clutch. Order separately - about 9 Bucks for a handful of 1/4 inch washers.

 

vette eight nine.....I have a new clutch...somewhere...that I found on ebay. It was supposed to be for my 96, but it is different. The ad cited a range of corvettes that it fit, and I suspect it was for the l98's only. Anyway, if you need one, I can send this to you, and IF it works for your application, then you can send me what you think it's worth. I only paid $50 for it by the way. If it doesn't work on your compressor, maybe you can forward along the part to someone else who may need it sometime.
I won't be able to **** it until Tuesday though.
Lemme know.
sam


sam

 

good point about checking compressor. Some pictures of my bad clutch. The smell you are talking about in what I think is the insulation of the field coil. The part on the right that is copper color is the feild coil and is supose to be black insulation. Also a link to Advance Auto for the compressor clutch. Hope this helps. Tim



http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...pe=385&ptset=A

 

Thanks for the help, everyone. I'll definitely check the compressor too SunCr.
Sam, you have a p.m.