My wife's car is a 1995 Olds Cutlass Ciera SL with a 3.1L V6 engine having ~160K miles.
The AC compressor clutch recently died as it was screaching and giving off metal shavings. A few days ago I replaced the whole clutch assembly. The clutch will NOT engage now when the AC is turned on, and after a few minutes with the engine on it starts squealing like there is rubbing between the clutch and pulley. I'm beginning to believe the original clutch going bad was a symptom of a larger issue and am now afraid I will ruin the new clutch if left as is.
In order to drive the car, I'm inclined to either disconnect the comp's wire harness or remove just the clutch (only running the pulley) to save the new clutch and pulley from being worn down until I can get the larger issue taken care of. I can't see how removing just the clutch would affect anything other than save it from further wear. The pulley is secured to the comp shaft with a C-clip, so it's not going anywhere. I'd probably have to fill with grease around the comp shaft to help keep keep dirt out.
Anywho... Is removing the clutch as an interim measure a good idea for now, or will it affect the system somehow that I can't think of? Would it be better to simply disconnect the wire harness to the AC compressor for now?
Also, what could cause these symptoms?
Thanks in advance!
Buddur in W PA