AC Compressor Failure
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
AC Compressor Failure
Driving home last night I noticed the AC in my 1996 C4 stopped blowing cold and then I saw some smoke coming from under the hood so I pulled over and discovered the melted rubber oozing from the compressor clutch and splashed a bit around onto the surrounding area. is this a compressor failure or a clutch failure? Clutches are $$$ so I am not sure if I should take a chance and just replace the clutch or just replace everything assuming the compressor has locked up.
Last edited by KJL; Aug 13, 2019 at 10:24 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
I think that the air conditioning compressor is from 1988 through 1996 are the same. These compressors are prone to front seal failure. At least that’s what I have seen. I think you’re going to need a new compressor just by going from what I’ve read.
They really are a pain in the backside , from what I’ve experienced.
They really are a pain in the backside , from what I’ve experienced.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 214
Likes: 7
From: Long Island
My 2005 Tacoma just did the same thing. I replaced the clutch hub with a $25 replacement from eBay. Works perfectly. There is a great write up on the Tacoma forums with pics. The clutch looks just like the one on the corvette and the corvette part is much more accessible. 10 minute job.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,332
Likes: 3,247
From: Hartford WI
Can the compressor turn freely without issues? If not, you may have to remove the clutch to see if the shaft will turn.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
If rubber is coming out, it's the clutch. Have seen that.
You can also test the static pressure (70 -95 depending on ambient temp), if there is Freon the compressor is probably OK.
There was a discussion within the last 2 years or so if it was possible to replace the clutch without removing the compressor and the lines. The answer is yes. Someone did do it but I can't find the thread. Some special tools were required like deep snap ring pliers. So if you can find the information on it, that would help greatly.
You can also test the static pressure (70 -95 depending on ambient temp), if there is Freon the compressor is probably OK.
There was a discussion within the last 2 years or so if it was possible to replace the clutch without removing the compressor and the lines. The answer is yes. Someone did do it but I can't find the thread. Some special tools were required like deep snap ring pliers. So if you can find the information on it, that would help greatly.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
Yes but once the clutch failed, you should check the system for leaks before you plunge any more money and time. If it has a slow leak, this is the time to fix it. If the compressor is seizing or has rough spots, same.
Can the compressor turn freely without issues? If not, you may have to remove the clutch to see if the shaft will turn.
Can the compressor turn freely without issues? If not, you may have to remove the clutch to see if the shaft will turn.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,851
Likes: 579
From: New Port Richey FL
This may be the post PColt is talking about
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...g-service.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...g-service.html
Last edited by s carter; Aug 14, 2019 at 11:23 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
This may be the post PColt is talking about
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...g-service.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...g-service.html
Thanks s carter
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
Yes but once the clutch failed, you should check the system for leaks before you plunge any more money and time. If it has a slow leak, this is the time to fix it. If the compressor is seizing or has rough spots, same.
Can the compressor turn freely without issues? If not, you may have to remove the clutch to see if the shaft will turn.
Can the compressor turn freely without issues? If not, you may have to remove the clutch to see if the shaft will turn.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,332
Likes: 3,247
From: Hartford WI
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
If rubber is coming out, it's the clutch. Have seen that.
You can also test the static pressure (70 -95 depending on ambient temp), if there is Freon the compressor is probably OK.
There was a discussion within the last 2 years or so if it was possible to replace the clutch without removing the compressor and the lines. The answer is yes. Someone did do it but I can't find the thread. Some special tools were required like deep snap ring pliers. So if you can find the information on it, that would help greatly.
You can also test the static pressure (70 -95 depending on ambient temp), if there is Freon the compressor is probably OK.
There was a discussion within the last 2 years or so if it was possible to replace the clutch without removing the compressor and the lines. The answer is yes. Someone did do it but I can't find the thread. Some special tools were required like deep snap ring pliers. So if you can find the information on it, that would help greatly.
Last edited by KJL; Sep 4, 2019 at 08:07 AM.