08 Mazda 3 air condition compressor

[gorent]

I have a 08 Maxda 3 with 2.3L-5spd-4dr-Gt that has an air condition issue. All was working fine with temperature control until last week, without warning I smelled a burnt clutch/brake smell for a short time and air stopped working. The belt and pulley turn with no problem,but the clutch will not lock up. If I try to turn outer clutch with 3 large knobs it will not budge either way. On my GM truck this outer hub turns freely by hand until engaged. there is a thin line off some residue in pully guard. Does this mean the Compressor is seized or is clutch bad? both fuses are good and all runs fine encept clutch does not engage now at all. They want $725 plus labor for new compessor at dealer if it needs compressor and they have 4 in stock. I am not familiar with this metric set up. Any help would be appreciated.

[Flash75]

Try to find a repair shop that does AC work. They can get a compressor if one is needed. It should cost less and some local ac people are very good repairmen.

Clifton

[gorent]

Unfortunatly, I have only run into gas stations with 4 service writers who want an open checkbook or the Mazda dealers who want over $1000.00 without even looking at it. These day's of everyone upselling and getting a comission are hard to deal with, as I normally do all my own work for the past 50 years and have never had a problem. Many mechanic's that I know who work in this new system are constantly being lectured on not enough upsells or fired for not upselling the jobs. My trust is very thin in this system. I personally think it only needs a clutch pack with magnet not a complete compressor.
Thank you for your input though!