Clutch - Fixed Displacement A/C Compressor
Refer to the applicable Warnings and Cautions for this system before performing the following operation. Refer to WARNING and CAUTION . Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
The compressor clutch assembly can be serviced with the refrigerant system fully-charged and with the A/C compressor installed on the engine.
Typical A/C compressor and clutch assembly shown in illustrations.
- Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Remove the splash shield from the right side frame rail. Refer to SHIELD, SPLASH, FRONT WHEELHOUSE, REMOVAL .
- Remove the accessory drive belt. Refer to BELT, SERPENTINE, REMOVAL .
- Disconnect the engine wire harness from the compressor clutch field coil connector (1) located on the top of the A/C compressor (5).NOTE:
Some models (depending on engine application) may require the A/C compressor to be removed from its installed location and repositioned to gain access to the compressor shaft bolt and/or pulley and field coil snap rings. However, the refrigerant system can still remain fully charged.
- If necessary, remove the bolts that secure the A/C compressor to the engine and reposition the compressor to gain access to the shaft bolt and/or pulley and field coil snap rings. Refer to COMPRESSOR, A/C, REMOVAL .
- Carefully remove the compressor clutch field coil connector and wire lead from the connector bracket (2).
- Remove the compressor shaft bolt (3). A band-type oil filter wrench or a strap wrench may be used to hold the clutch plate (4) from rotating during bolt removal.
CAUTION:
Do not pry between the clutch plate and the pulley and bearing assembly to remove the clutch plate from the compressor shaft as this may damage the clutch plate.
NOTE:Use care not to lose any clutch shim(s) during removal of the clutch plate, as they may be reused during the clutch plate installation process.
- Tap the clutch plate (2) lightly with a plastic mallet to release it from the splines on the compressor shaft (1) and remove the clutch plate and shim(s) (3).
- Using A/C Snap Ring Pliers (special tool #9764, Pliers, A/C Snap Ring) or equivalent (1), remove the snap ring (2) that secures the pulley and bearing assembly (3) to the front of the A/C compressor and remove the pulley and bearing assembly.
- Using A/C Snap Ring Pliers (special tool #9764, Pliers, A/C Snap Ring) or equivalent (1), remove the snap ring (4) that secures the compressor clutch field coil (2) to the front of the A/C compressor (3) and remove the field coil.