Clutch - Fixed Displacement A/C Compressor

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Dodge Journey. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

Review the warnings and cautions for this system before performing the procedure. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death.

NOTE:

The compressor clutch assembly can be serviced with the refrigerant system fully-charged and with the A/C compressor installed on the engine.

NOTE:

Typical A/C compressor and clutch assembly shown in illustrations.

Fig 1: A/C Compressor, Field Coil Connectors, Clutch Plate & Shaft Bolt

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

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.

Fig 2: Identifying Compressor Shaft, Clutch Plate & Shim
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

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).

Fig 3: Snap Ring Pliers, Clutch Pulley And Bearing Assembly & Snap Ring
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
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.

Fig 4: A/C Snap Ring Pliers, Compressor Clutch Field Coil, A/C Compressor & Snap Ring
Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
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.