AC Clutch

[b1u3m3th]

Helloe everyone

The clutch for my AC compressor has gone out on my 89 vette. My brother-in-law has checked it out (he's been a car AC guy for some time) and has said that the compressor is fine as far as he can tell. How difficult would it be for me, somewhat of a beginner, to change the AC Clutch, or is that something that should be left to a professional?

Thanks,
Alan

 

[ecss]

Slip the belt off of the compresser pulley.

Use a spanner wrench to hold the clutch plate and break
loose the bolt that holds the clutch plate to the compressor shaft.

You can be creative if you don't have a spanner wrench and find a way to hold the clutch plate while you break loose the bolt. It's not on very tight. A quick whack on the rachet handle will loosen the bolt.

Once the bolt is removed, the clutch plate will come off.
Then you remove a snap ring and the pulley will come off.
Remove another snap ring and the clutch coil will pull off.
Sometimes the clutch coil is also glued to the back of the compressor.

Note: Behind the clutch coil on the compressor shaft
you'll find some shims.

When you install the new clutch you need to verify the gap between the clutch plate and the pulley is close to .020 inches. (Use a feeler gauge). If the gap is wrong, you adjust the gap by using different size shims.

 

[JonM]

You can borrow the tools from AutoZone.

 

[b1u3m3th]

ecss,

Thank you very much. That doesn't sound difficult at all. It also made the instructions that came with the new clutch assembly a little more clear. I appreciate the help.

Alan