A/C clutch removal tool

[toadjammer]

Can anyone suggest the best removal tool for removing an air conditioning compressor clutch?

Thanks
Toad

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Can anyone suggest the best removal tool for removing an air conditioning compressor clutch?

Thanks
Toad

make, model, year?
what is compressor type?
factory air?

In some cases, it is better just to replace the entire unit if compressor has some age to it and has to be removed to gain access to remove clutch.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Depends on the clutch. Many clutches used to (and I'm not familiar with the newer ones) used a large bolt of a particular thread and size, you removed the center bolt, using a spanner to hold the compressor from turning (or energized the clutch with the belt in place) and then screwed the big bolt in, it butted on the compressor shaft and forced the clutch off the shaft. They make fancy tools for some of the newer ones, but you need the special tool made for YOUR compressor type.

Charles

 

[toadjammer]

It is on my 2003 suburban The air was working fine and the clutch burnt, and am hoping that I can swap out the clutch without evacuating the system.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

It is on my 2003 suburban The air was working fine and the clutch burnt, and am hoping that I can swap out the clutch without evacuating the system.

Be sure to determine why clutch burnt. Could be low voltage problem. Also could have been air gap issue which caused quick burn out. You will have to set/check air gap if you install new clutch.
You could also have a compressor that is starting to lockup.

Check out this set from sears.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...21x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=00915872000P

 

[heelsroll]

The Snap-On a/c service set is on sale right now for $120. Tools to remove and install for Ford, Chrysler, GM.

I used a similar tool from Napa on my 94-5 GMC trucks.

Snap-On A/C Clutch Kit

 

[OccupantRJ]

Both Advance auto and Auto Zone have loaner tools available by you putting up a refundable deposit. The use of the tool is free, and if you don't want to return it, the deposit covers the price of the tool.

 

[toadjammer]

It has a Denso 10S20F compressor with a splined shaft. And appears to be held on with 1 bolt in the middle. Does it just slip on fairly easily? Or is it pressed on?

 

[mrholeshot]

I can't remember the last time I used my a/c clutch removal set (Snap-On) as now you can buy a new compressor with Clutch cheaper than just the clutch. In many cases you can't even buy the clutch seperatly.

 

[wafrederick]

Most Chrysler a/c compressors,you can get just the a/c clutch and it includes Ford too.Chrysler dealerships and some parts stores sell the a/c clutch seperatly.Do not ever get a reman a/c compressor,a big POS since they fail right away.Check the tensoiner pulley too for the a/c belt and replace the whole a/c belt tenshoiner if the bearing for the pulley is bad,you can't get the pulley for it.

 

[heelsroll]

Pulling the clutch can save you evacuating and refilling the system.

If it's a Denso like on my BMW, you just remove that 10mm-headed bolt, and then there a retaining ring, pull the pulley (it's just a press fit) and another retaining ring to remove the clutch.

This is from memory but I did it last week. Yours may be different, I may have forgotten something. Check the webs or a factory manual.

So all you'd need is a 10mm socket or deep-offset wrench, and retaining ring pliers. You need to be able to hold the pulley, either with a strap wrench, vise grips, or if it's the three-head type, a screwdriver across two of them.

Be sure to wear goggles when removing those snap rings, eh?

 

[mrholeshot]

Most Chrysler a/c compressors,you can get just the a/c clutch and it includes Ford too.Chrysler dealerships and some parts stores sell the a/c clutch seperatly.Do not ever get a reman a/c compressor,a big POS since they fail right away.Check the tensoiner pulley too for the a/c belt and replace the whole a/c belt tenshoiner if the bearing for the pulley is bad,you can't get the pulley for it.

There are companies that sell new compressors that hold up well. In over half of the cases the compressor has failed and runined the clutch. It would be a shame to buy the clutch then have it roasted by a faulty compressor. I can buy a new compressor for that 2003 suburban for 156.00. The only way I would replace just the clutch is if the bearing was going bad. If the clutch burns up I want to see the orfice tube. You can't afford to take chances when doing work for the public.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

speaking of new compressor, don't even think about using one of those $150 chicom clone compressors.
You'll be replacing your condensor when they puke up their guts in short time.

 

[heelsroll]

There are companies that sell new compressors that hold up well. In over half of the cases the compressor has failed and runined the clutch. It would be a shame to buy the clutch then have it roasted by a faulty compressor. I can buy a new compressor for that 2003 suburban for 156.00. The only way I would replace just the clutch is if the bearing was going bad. If the clutch burns up I want to see the orfice tube. You can't afford to take chances when doing work for the public.

In my case, it was clear that the bearings were toast. I could hear, feel, and see it. So it made sense to try a spare pulley and clutch.

That said, I've seen new, not rebuilt, Denso compressors for a little over $200. If I had the ability to recycle R-134a, I'd have just put in a new compressor (and drier, of course).

Only makes sense because my labor is free.

 

[wafrederick]

Most of the time the bearings fail in the a/c clutch pulley and I se this alot on chrysler a/c compressors and most Fords so far.a/c compressor.Some new a/c compressors are out there and not available.Hyundias are this way.I do know have been getting new a/c compressors from the Carquest parts store in my area that have been holding up.Replacing the oraface tube is a must when replacing the a/c compressor too.

 

[mrholeshot]

.Replacing the oraface tube is a must when replacing the a/c compressor too.

In most cases the only way the company will warranty the compressor is if you buy the orfice tube and Rrc/dryer at the same time.