A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul

Special Tools Required 

A/C clutch holder Robinair 10290, Kent-Moore J37872, Honda Tool and Equipment ACT499A, or commercially available

1. Remove the center bolt (A) while holding the pressure plate with a commercially available A/C clutch holder (B)
   Fig 1: A/C Clutch Holder And Center Bolt With Torque Specification

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
2. Remove the pressure plate (A) and the shim(s) (B), taking care not to lose the shim(s) If the clutch needs adjustment, increase or decrease the number and thickness of shims as necessary, then reinstall the pressure plate, and recheck its clearance (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH CHECK )
   NOTE:

   • The shims are available in three thicknesses 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, and 0.5 mm
   • Do not pry on the pressure plate with screwdrivers or similar tools Prying damages the pressure plate and the pulley
   • When replacing the clutch set, place a trial stack of shims, 1 mm total thickness, on the A/C compressor shaft Install the pressure plate, and check its clearance (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH CHECK ) If the clearance is not with specification, add or subtract shims as needed
     Fig 2: Identifying Pressure Plate And Shim

     Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
3. If you are replacing the field coil, remove the snap ring (A) with snap ring pliers, then remove the pulley (B) Be careful not to damage the pulley or the A/C compressor
   NOTE:

   • Do not use a hammer to remove the snap rings Using a hammer damages the A/C compressor
   • Do not hammer or pry on the pulley to remove it If the pulley is difficult to remove, use a commercially available pulley removing tool Make sure the jaws of the pulling tool engage the back face of the pulley, not the pulley grooves
   Fig 3: Identifying Snap Ring With Pulley
   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
4. Remove the screw from the field coil ground terminal (A), then remove the wire harness (B) and the bracket (C) Disconnect the field coil connector (D) Remove the snap ring (E) with snap ring pliers, then remove the field coil (F) Be careful not to damage the field coil or the A/C compressor
   Fig 4: Identifying Field Coil Ground Terminal, Field Coil Connector Snap Ring And Screw

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
5. Reassemble the clutch in the reverse order of disassembly, and note these items
   • When replacing the field coil, check that the new coil has the correct resistance (see step 6 on A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH CHECK )
   • Install the field coil with the wire side facing down, and align the boss on the field coil with the hole in the A/C compressor
   • Clean the pulley and A/C compressor sliding surfaces with contact cleaner or other non-petroleum solvent
   • Install new snap rings, note the installation direction, and make sure they are fully seated in the grooves
   • Make sure that the pulley turns smoothly after it's reassembled
   • Route and clamp the wires properly to prevent damage by the pulley
6. Cycle the A/C clutch approximately 20 times by running the engine at 1,500-2,000 rpm and setting the climate control temperature to Lo with the A/C button ON This procedure seats the clutch friction surfaces, and increases clutch torque capacity