a.c. clutch noise

[seadog95]

I would like to change the clutch on my 2001 blazer. is there a wrench that i need and are there left hand threads on the compressor ? sounds like the pads are dragging. any ideas please

[brcidd]

Chances are you need to reset the air gap- "borrow" the proper puller tool from Autozone- clean out the threads in the clutch hub and pull it out to about .020" gap- then you should be okay-- what you have if light and tinny/hissing sound is clutch drag noise-- if a deeper growl- then it may be the pulley bearing.

The tool you'll need fits all GM compressor types V5, R4, H-6 families from about 1990 and up- so if autozone is not sure- you'll know a V-5 tool will work etc..

By the way - Your HT-6 compressor is right hand threaded- no need to change the clutch unless it is toasted- or broken....

[seadog95]

yes it is tinny sounding, i blew out the hub with air pressure and had to hold my breath, when it engauges it is fine. thanks for the info.

[seadog95]

I see the inside threads on the hub, the shaft nut and the key way. do i have to loosen the shaft nut or just pull on the face plate to adjust the air gap? thanks

[brcidd]

Now I am somewhat confused.... OEM compressors do NOT have shaft nuts-- that was done away with in 1994 - on the HD series compressors-- you may have an aftermarket compressor-- does your compressor have a blue label? Blue label was the OEM compressor... a photo would help me understand--- Yes if in doubt, take the nut off- it does not retain the clutch driver-the clutch is a press fit...the nuts only purpose is to retain the key and keep the threads clean for service- that is why it was discontinued.-- the nut is best removed with an impact gun-- otherwise you'll have to come up with a way to hold that clutch from turning....

[seadog95]

yes you were right and my bad, looked in with a flash light and there wasn't a nut. went to auto zone and got their part # 159079 and the box brand was OEM #27002 just to keep someone else from going in and out of the store to check the thread size. thank you very much and it worked like a charm, adjusted it till i had 0.20 gap. with the defroster on the clutch engauges for 5 seconds and kicks out for 30 seconds nice and quiet, 30 degrees outside is this normal ? if it is then i am all set.

[brcidd]

Yeah that's pretty normal-- the refrigerant pressure pretty much follows the temperature-- and at 30 degree outside- you probably have about 35-40 psi system static pressure- and it takes 47 psi to run the compressor (switch on accumulator)-- so yes - you have solved the problem- glad to have helped....

PS-- I just love parking lot jobs-- a top mount compressor and your own adjustable wrenches-a business card (for air gap) and it's done.... Good Job!!!