A/C compresser Clutch Removal

blazinjay84 · #1 01-19-2008, 01:23 PM

Does anyone have or know of some good directions with pics of an A/C clutch replacment on a 2001 2wd 2dr 4.3l Blazer ?

old_master · #2 01-19-2008, 09:27 PM

What kind of trouble are you having with it? How many miles are on the vehicle?

blazinjay84 · #3 01-20-2008, 04:37 AM

It's got 86,000 miles. It's making a sound with the rotation of the serpentine belt that I would describe as a "shing shing shing...". The A/C works fine and the noise is produced with the A/C on or off.
A few weeks ago I replaced the waterpump, while drying the area with a air hose to apply some Permatex to the waterpump gasket area I happend to blow some air on the clutch. A large amount of rusty dust flew out of the clutch. (New waterpump, tensioner pulley, the idler pulley spins fine by hand and it just doesn't sound like it's coming from the altenator.) Any ideas ?

old_master · #4 01-20-2008, 07:08 AM

If the A/C works, it means the clutch is not slipping when it's engaged. A/C clutch noise will usually stop when the clutch is engaged. The "rusty dust" may have come from the hub bearing. It's a sealed bearing, but that doesn't mean it won't wear out. Remove the serpentine belt and spin the A/C hub by hand. It should spin very freely with no noise.

blazinjay84 · #5 01-21-2008, 12:43 AM

Ok, I'll pull off the belt and check it out and reply back. Thanks

rockwood84 · #6 01-22-2008, 01:54 PM

g.m. a/c clutch takes a special set of tools to remove the clutch and put it back on. the set will run around $30.00 if it makes a noise all the time the motor is running the it is the shaft bearing if it only makes the noise with the a/c on then it is the a/c clutch bearing.the rust blew out between the a/c clutch plates or the pully?

blazinjay84 · #7 01-25-2008, 03:33 AM

I finally got around to pulling the belt and spinning the pulley by hand, it spins freely but makes a similar noise to what I've been hearing just not as loud. I'm not sure of the exact origin of the "rusty dust", just the general area. So I'm guessing it's the shaft bearing. Think I should replace this ? Is this a pricey part ? Is this a easy procedure ?

rockwood84 · #8 01-25-2008, 01:03 PM

one thing i forgot to tell you to check is when the a/c is off how much space is between the outer clutch plate and the pulley? there should be around 1/16 inch gap so the pulley doesn't contact the clutch plate with the a/c off.if there is no gap then this could be the noise you hear. if your compressor is like mine you will have to remove the a/c compressor then remove the nut and washer then using the clutch removal tool pull the clutch plate off then using a puller pull the pulley off. there should be a bearing under the pulley. then you have to get the snap ring out of the grove inside the bore that the clutch slips into with a pair of snap ring pliers then mark the side of the compressor because your going to split the compressor by taking the bolts out .bump the compressor on the lip with a peice of wood and hammer to knock it apart .do one side then go acrross and tap other side then back and forth till it comes apart.the bearing and seal are in the end the clutch and pulley were on. take a screwdriver and push the seal out [once you have the snap ring out] then tap the bearing out .after you get the seal out there is an o ring that is in a grove that is where the outer part of the seal sat that has to be changed. so before you put it back together you need a seal kit 4 oz of a/c synthetic oil and if it was me i would put both bearings in . put a little of the a/c oil on the big o ring on the side of the compressor before you pop it back together. put everything back as you took it apart.the seal kit will have a new o ring ,snap ring,and seal. the seal kit was $45.00.the oil was $2.00 an oz .not sure about price of the bearings. as i just had to put the seal in mine.but check the clutch plate gap before you tear into it....

MT-2500 · #9 01-25-2008, 04:28 PM

The clutch and front bearing can be replaced without removing the compresser hoses or removing front seal.
Most parts places like AZ loan/rent tools to do the job.
MT

blazinjay84 · #10 01-26-2008, 12:12 AM

I think the clutch is my problem, it's riding the pulley. So I will replace the clutch and the pulley. Removing the compresser isn't involved in that process is it ? It don't look like it would be. What causes the clutch plate to move toward the pulley ? Ordinary wear and tear ?

MT-2500 · #11 01-26-2008, 10:24 AM

Yes it can be done that way.
Some it helps to unbolt just the compressor without unbolting the R-134a lines compresser and turn it up to get to front pulley.

A clutch kit should come with instructions for setting the proper gap on the clutch.
Some us thin washers on the shaft behind the clutch plate to set gap.
And a lot of them do not have the nut on the end of compressor shaft from factory.
They are a drive on/press fit.
Good Luck
MT

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