A/C Compressor Clutch: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Viper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The compressor clutch assembly can be serviced with the refrigerant system fully-charged.

NOTE: Typical A/C compressor shown in illustrations.

Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
Remove the accessory drive belt (Refer to COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOVAL) .
Raise and support the vehicle.
Disconnect the engine wire harness from the compressor clutch field coil connector located on the top of the A/C compressor.
NOTE: The A/C compressor must be removed from its installed location to gain access to the compressor shaft bolt and/or pulley and field coil snap rings. However, the refrigerant system can still remain fully charged.
Remove the bolts that secure the A/C compressor to the engine and support the A/C compressor.
Carefully remove the compressor clutch field coil connector and wire lead from the connector bracket.

Remove the compressor shaft bolt. See Fig 1. A band-type oil filter wrench or a strap wrench may be used to secure the clutch plate from rotating during bolt removal.

Fig 1: Locating A/C Compressor Shaft Bolt

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - COMPRESSOR CLUTCH FIELD COIL CONNECTOR

2 - BRACKET

3 - BOLT

4 - COMPRESSOR CLUTCH PLATE

5 - A/C COMPRESSOR

CAUTION: Do not pry between the clutch plate and the pulley and bearing assembly to remove the clutch plate from the compressor shaft as this may damage the clutch plate.

NOTE: Use care not to lose any clutch shim(s) during removal of the clutch plate, as they may be reused during the clutch plate installation process.

Tap the clutch plate lightly with a plastic mallet to release it from the splines on the compressor shaft and remove the clutch plate and shim(s). See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Identifying Compressor Shaft, Clutch Plate & Shim

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - COMPRESSOR SHAFT

2 - CLUTCH PLATE

3 - SHIM

Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring that secures the pulley and bearing assembly to the front of the A/C compressor and remove the pulley and bearing assembly. See Fig 3.

Fig 3: Removing/Installing External Snap Ring

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - SNAP RING

2 - SNAP RING PLIERS

3 - CLUTCH PULLEY AND BEARING

Using snap ring pliers (Special Tool C-4574 or equivalent), remove the snap ring that secures the compressor clutch field coil to the front of the A/C compressor and remove the field coil. See Fig 4.

Fig 4: Removing/Installing Clutch Coil Snap Ring

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - SNAP RING PLIERS

2 - CLUTCH FIELD COIL

3 - A/C COMPRESSOR

4 - SNAP RING