A/C Compressor and Clutch Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Internal A/C compressor components are not serviced separately. The A/C compressor is serviced only as an assembly. The clutch disc and hub, A/C compressor pulley and bearing and clutch field coil are serviceable.

NOTE: Installation of a new receiver/drier cartridge is not required when repairing the air conditioning system, except when there is physical evidence of contamination from a failed A/C compressor or damage to the receiver/drier cartridge.

The A/C compressor has the following characteristics:

A non-serviceable shaft seal
A pressure relief valve is installed in the rear of the compressor to protect the refrigerant system against excessively high refrigerant pressures
The A/C compressor uses PAG oil or equivalent. This oil contains special additives required for the A/C compressor
The A/C compressor oil may have some slightly dark-colored streaks while maintaining normal oil viscosity. This is normal for this A/C compressor because of break-in wear that can discolor the oil
Use standard oil matching procedures when installing new compressors

Fig 1: Identifying A/C Compressor And Clutch Assembly Components
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

When battery voltage is applied to the A/C compressor clutch field coil, the clutch plate and hub assembly is drawn toward the A/C clutch pulley. The magnetic force locks the clutch plate and hub assembly and the A/C clutch pulley together as one unit, causing the compressor shaft to rotate. When battery voltage is removed from the A/C compressor clutch field coil, springs in the clutch plate and hub assembly move the clutch plate away from the A/C clutch pulley.