A/C compressor clutch goin, quick questions

[ASJT3]

hey guys,

Pretty sure the a/c clutch on my LT1 is going - making lots of noise when working and also when not.

I've heard on some forums that this could be a bearing? Is it advisable for me to replace the entire clutch or just this bearing?

Either way, I assume I'll have to pull the clutch for which I think I'll need two special tools: (1) clutch holder tool to break nut loose (2) pulley puller.

Pretty sure I can borrow the clutch puller tool from advance auto or autozone, anyone know if they carry a clutch "holder" tool as well?

Thanks fellas.

[DeltaP]

All those parts are aging. The clutch coil and compressor front seal probably aren't far behind. See if the clutch and coil assy is available separately from the compressor and is it cost effective to replace them as opposed to replacing the entire compressor and clutch assy.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ASJT3

hey guys,

Pretty sure the a/c clutch on my LT1 is going - making lots of noise when working and also when not.

I've heard on some forums that this could be a bearing? Is it advisable for me to replace the entire clutch or just this bearing?

Either way, I assume I'll have to pull the clutch for which I think I'll need two special tools: (1) clutch holder tool to break nut loose (2) pulley puller.

Pretty sure I can borrow the clutch puller tool from advance auto or autozone, anyone know if they carry a clutch "holder" tool as well?

Thanks fellas.

I RECENTLY replaced the ac compressor on the 96 impala. same problem. the bearing on the pulley was making noises so I thought. what then occured was the compressor started leaking refrigerent oil at the compressor BODY seals. then the compressor suddenly locked up.

I did get off the compressor pulley just to see what had occured and this is not an easy job because the clutch pulley did not come off until I heated it up with a small torch.

I purchased a new compressor, flushed the system,new filterdryer, orifice tube, seals. also replaced the hi/low testport valves.

8oz of PAG 150. borrowed a vacuum pump. cost me about 300.oo.

need an air compressor to blow out the flush.


the compressor has a rear support ear . this is adjustible. mount the compressor in the front first. then with the ear loose secure the 2 rear studs to the compressor, then the stud to the frame.

what can occur and what i saw was the new compressor was slightly shorter. the mounting being too large would have stressed out the compressor and would have caused the same body seal failure.

not an easy job mounting this unit.

adding oil as you assemble add a couple of ounces to the compressor /filter dryer/evap etc until its all installed. too much in the compressor it will leak out . add to the hoses after secured to the compressor. then rotate the compressor by hand to lube it .

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ASJT3

hey guys,

Pretty sure the a/c clutch on my LT1 is going - making lots of noise when working and also when not.

I've heard on some forums that this could be a bearing? Is it advisable for me to replace the entire clutch or just this bearing?

Either way, I assume I'll have to pull the clutch for which I think I'll need two special tools: (1) clutch holder tool to break nut loose (2) pulley puller.

Pretty sure I can borrow the clutch puller tool from advance auto or autozone, anyone know if they carry a clutch "holder" tool as well?

Thanks fellas.

after thinking about this making noises with ac on/off . It could very well be the tensioner. this does cause a very similar sound. when the belt tension is not constant on our vehicles this is that same sound from the ac compressor pulley.

its about 25.oo from advance auto.

the tensioner does wear out in such a way that it does bind.