Ac clutch

[Chase2008]

So went to run to the store and had smoke in the engine. Turned it off and popped the good. Ac clutch (I am fairly certain) was red hot. Seized up. Let it sit overnight and die some research on a re-route to bypass. When I pulled the belt I realized the pulley was still free. So I unplugged the compressor from electrical, re installed original belt and fired it up. Seems to be fine

Can I run it like this? Or should I try the bypass route?

[Woodchuck]

As long as it sounds ok, you will be ok for a while. It may not last very long as that bearing got very hot when the clutch seized.

[Chase2008]

So would it be better to bypass the ac altogether?

[Chase2008]

Never mind. Belt rubs on the bypass

[Chase2008]

So if a buy a bypass pulley (don't need ac and don't want to drop a grand on a new compressor and install) how do I get the ac system discharged so I can pull the compressor?

[biggfish]

You would have to go somewhere with a recovery machine. If you are replacing it yourself you have to evacuate the system again after the new compressor is installed before you can recharge the system.

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[Chase2008]

Thanks. Not looking to install a new compressor. Just want to pull the old one and install a pulley

[winshooter88]

What he is saying is that you need to go to someone with a recovery station to remove the freon from the system as it is illegal to discharge it into the atmosphere. Once the freon is out just remove the compressor and be sure  to plug the lines so that if you ever do want to put a new compressor on the truck the lines won't be full of crap.

[Kokanee]

Thanks. Not looking to install a new compressor. Just want to pull the old one and install a pulley

Easy enough to do, few nuts/bolts and a snap ring or two.  Problem is that the clutch failure is normally just a symptom of a compressor failing and locking up due to component wear/failure/overheating.  Check to see if there is a high pressure relief valve on the compressor head, and if it looks like it has "popped".  If it has PAG oil coming out or appears wet, bet money the compressor went South.  What brand compressor? 

[Sandberm]

What vehicle is this problem for?

[jackelope]

You might be able to just replace the clutch without replacing the whole compressor. Also know that your defrost won't be as effective with no compressor.


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[Chase2008]

Thanks all for the replies and info. Vehicle is a 2003 Jeep Liberty. Don't know the brand of compressor

[jackelope]

I've definitely facilitated the replacement of compressor clutches on Jeep Liberty without replacing the entire compressor.


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[winshooter88]

Replacing the clutch is fine unless the compressor being froze up is the reason the clutch got hot.

[Kokanee]

I've definitely facilitated the replacement of compressor clutches on Jeep Liberty without replacing the entire compressor.


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If it is factory, it is a Sanden Compressor, made out of Wylie, Texas.  Coil is from Mexico, armature and rotor/pulley is from Wylie (These have all been relocated to Mexico for current production).  remove the U-Nut to remove armature plate - remove shims between surface of armature plate hub and mainshaft shelf, snap ring to pull the rotor, and snap ring to remove the coil.  Reverse assembly with the exception of the shims required (New set should come with kit) to set the air gap between the armature and rotor friction surface (0.030 ~ 0.070"). 

[jackelope]

Replacing the clutch is fine unless the compressor being froze up is the reason the clutch got hot.

I agree.
I will add that seized clutches were a thing on the Cherokees and then a thing again on the Liberty during the Chrysler Jeep part of my life.  It was a common issue.

[Buckmark]

Replacing the clutch is fine unless the compressor being froze up is the reason the clutch got hot.

I agree.
I will add that seized clutches were a thing on the Cherokees and then a thing again on the Liberty during the Chrysler Jeep part of my life.  It was a common issue.

I 2nd that, it is also really close in parts cost to do the compressor, having a shop pullit down and recharge is not alot either 

[Chase2008]

Thank you everyone for the info and comments. Really looking at getting it evacuated now and pulling the whole compressor, then installing a bypass pulley. I know I can remove the 3 bolts. But . Not sure I have the skill to do a clutch replacement or knowledge on if I can just do that without replacing the compressor.

I realize the defrost won't work as well but not looking at sinking more money into this rig ( just had a water pump and valve cover baskets done). Just want it driveable. Going to order the bypass  pulley and call around to see who will evac the compressor before I pull it out.

May install a new one later but for. Now just want to drive it.

[biggfish]

Just did this on my dad's 08 ram. He bought a compressor kit on Amazon for $95. It's not charged, but the sound of the clutch grinding is gone. He plans to have it recharged before next summer.

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