There is noise coming from the A/C pulley area on my car with the A/C on and off. Additional grinding noise when off. The pulley does not spin freely when turned by hand (belt removed), there is some resistance and it seems almost as if it "indexes" as it turns.

Is this a bearing problem in the A/C clutch? Are special tools required to remove the clutch? If it is the bearings, can it (they) be changed?


Thank you very much for any help

Part # for the bearing thru Napa is 5908VAW. There are some specialty pullers and drivers required for removing and installing the clutch. The pulley is simply retained by a snap ring once the clutch is out of the way. The factory bearing is staked into the pulley and should be pressed out .. don't beat on the pulley, it's aluminum and quite fragile to side loading.

Thank you for the information.

Can the clutch be removed without removing the compressor (is there enough room)?

Don't believe compressor removal will be necessary, depending on the type of puller you have .. you may need to lower that end of the engine by means of mounts for necessary engine bay clearance, however.

I do not presently have a puller. Am trying to find one locally (Montreal, Quebec, Canada). So far have only found a complete set for about $150.

So far found one place that has the clutch (about $300.......only about 2.5 times the cost of one on line in the U.S......those I have seen do not ship international - outside U.S.)

Have been able to find the bearing ($40).

How much trouble is it to remove the AC and put in a bypass pulley?

Provided your 9 year old has dumped the charge by now, and the air is no longer functional, it's very easy. Should have just the one bolt retaining manifold lines to end of pump, and three long bolts thru the case of the compressor body, I believe they'll all be 15mm hex. NAPA part number on the bypass pulley and bracket assembly is BK 660-1853 which allows for use of factory length serpentine belt.