1998 Lumina LTZ 3.8 AC Clutch

Does anyone know how hard it is to change the AC Clutch? Also, from the time it starts making noise, how long do I have till it quits on me? Would the AC Clutch make it so my Air Conditioner does not work? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Does anyone know how hard it is to change the AC Clutch? Also, from the time it starts making noise, how long do I have till it quits on me? Would the AC Clutch make it so my Air Conditioner does not work? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

1-3 hrs depending on skill and where it is mounted.
If it has a noise fix it.
But are you sure it is the clutch and not the compresser or clutch bearing?
MT

If the clutch is slipping, DO NOT continue to use the A/C until it is repaired. You may be able to save the clutch by thoroughly cleaning it and adjusting the plate/spring assembly. Allowing it to run while slipping, even for 20 minutes, is a sure way to a new compressor, or at least a new clutch. Many shops won't want to mess with changing only the clutch, and would advice a complete new compressor, along with the necessary evacuation and recharge.

Many times, contamination from coolant or oil leakage will cause a clutch to slip. Try degreasing and washing the clutch (plain hot water and soap, followed by a hot rinse) and check the gap between the plated and hub with the engine off. If the gap is over 0.080", you can CAREFULLY bend the plate springs near the three mounting studs to get the clutch plate closer so that it pulls in adequately when the clutch is energizeed.

Does anyone know how hard it is to change the AC Clutch? Also, from the time it starts making noise, how long do I have till it quits on me? Would the AC Clutch make it so my Air Conditioner does not work? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks


Does the noise go away when the A/C is On?

It has been making a noise for the past few months but over the past week it has gotten worse. I tis hard to describe the noise but to me it sounds like an old fashion phone constantly ringing. If that makes sense to anyone. The Air Conditioner does not work and it hasn't for 2 summers now. If I turn that Air Conditioner on it does not seem to get any worse....or better.

That sounds like excessive clutch clearance, or a failing clutch hub bearing. If the AC system has lost charge below 45PSI, the AC clutch probably isn't even cycling on. If you CAN hear it cycle on, the slippage is probably why it hasn't worked for two years.

If the A/C doesn't work, and it's making the 'old fashioned telephone' noise, the compressor clutch driven hub plate is probably dragging just a little. This is a pretty common problem; the retract springs (little blade-looking leaf springs) get weak, and the driven plate drags in one spot on the drive pulley.

The fix is to replace the driven hub.

BUT.....this will only fix the noise. The reason the A/C is not working will need further investigation. If the compressor is not engaging, you probably have a low refrigerant condition.

This is about the time I just put a $40 known-good salvage compressor on, vac it and charge it and go on my merry way...screw fooling with sloppy clutches and possible bearing damage....

But that's just me...quick, cheap and dirty...:)

............Provided the compressor is the whole problem.


I suspect a low refrigerant condition from the infamous leaking evaporator problem.


...................But then again, the HR-V5's have their share of compressor shell o-ring leaks.

If the A/C doesn't work, and it's making the 'old fashioned telephone' noise, the compressor clutch driven hub plate is probably dragging just a little. This is a pretty common problem; the retract springs (little blade-looking leaf springs) get weak, and the driven plate drags in one spot on the drive pulley.

Yes, those are the springs. I've had a fair amount of success bending those springs/plates near the rivets to provide sufficient clearance. Of course, the PROPER, textbook method is to replace the clutch, but it seems that this system may have further problems, and dumping money into a clutch or reman compressor may be a waste if the owner doesn't want the expense of repairing the system. "Shaping" the clutch springs is usually enough to get adequate clutch engagement so the rest of the system can at least be analyzed.