Hello,

I have a 2000 6-cyl Camry and I have to change the bearings on the A/C compressor clutch. Theres a metal on metal sound when the engine is on and when I turn on the A/C there's a really loud scraping noise for a couple of seconds and then it shuts off and the A/C light starts blinking.

I'm 99% sure there's no freon in the system, but I can't be sure since I can't run the A/C and I don't have any guages. Obviously, I don't want to try to take the compressor off until I'm sure. The repair shop told me that I need a whole new compressor and it will cost around $1600.

An A/C repairman a friend knows said to just hook a hose up to the low pressure side and let whatever is in there to come out. Is there a chance of killing myself if I did this?

Welcome aboard. No. If you're just draining the system at the low pressure side there is no danger. Just use gloves and safety glasses and point it away from you. The danger arises if you accidently try to add refrigerant to the high pressure side of the system. That WILL ruin your day. Don't touch the high pressure side and you'll be ok.

FYI - Even R134a refrigerant is bad for the environment. That's why it's being replaced soon. Recommend you let a shop recover the refrigerant the right way.

$1600 seems high. For that price I would expect in addition to the compressor, they are at least planning on changing the filter/dryer and expansion valve plus a system flush. Had the same done on my 87 Camry 3 years ago for $850. Paid $325 for the compressor. Maybe they are throwing in Bears season tickets?????????? Not sure about 2000 Camrys but in many cases just the clutch can be replaced with the compressor installed on the car. No reservicing required.

Why are you sure there is no freon in the system?

If your clutch bearing is shot and the clutch is slipping once engaged, then the A/C controller in the car will shut the compressor down when it detects the clutch is slipping from the RPM sensor on the compressor. It may be possible to just replace the clutch and/or bearing and get it working again for less than $200.

10PA17C clutch bearing (http://www.apairinc.com/detail.asp?part=440-948)

nippondenso clutch tool (http://www.tooldesk.net/ATD_3610.html)

dave mc

I think Dave was also getting at that you don't want to depresurize the system unless you have to. It causes alot of work in evacuating and recharging. You are just thowing away any refrigerant in the system - and it's not cheap.

Not sure about 2000 Camrys but in many cases just the clutch can be replaced with the compressor installed on the car. No reservicing required.

Ditto....ditto....ditto

davemac2 Do you know if that is the way the system works ("the A/C controller in the car will shut the compressor down when it detects the clutch is slipping from the RPM sensor on the compressor") for all gen Camrys? Can you go even further and say most or all Toyotas? Doubt it but, sure would make life easier.

Ditto....ditto....ditto

davemac2 Do you know if that is the way the system works ("the A/C controller in the car will shut the compressor down when it detects the clutch is slipping from the RPM sensor on the compressor") for all gen Camrys? Can you go even further and say most or all Toyotas? Doubt it but, sure would make life easier.

I think it is there for Gen3 and up on the carmys at least. You would probably need to check the specific manuals for other vehicles, but I would imagine they would all share the same setup? The sensor is fed into pin 14 'LOCKIN' of the A/C amplifer. Toyota calls it a 'Revolution Detection Sensor' in the manuals. I think this is how it works rather than just a 'is the compressor turning', yes/no?' type sensor. It is located on the bottom of compressor (ie. integrated with it?). The A/C amplifier appears to be connected thru 2 signals with the ECM module. The ECM module would have to supply engine RPM info to the A/C amplifier thru one of those signals somehow in order for belt or clutch slippage to be detected but I don't know how that works. Or maybe, it is a minimum RPM threshold only without using engine RPM info at all?

dave mc