A/C compressor problems

[Dreadnought]

Is it possible to change the clutch on an A/C compressor without removing it from the car? I don't really want to go to the hassel of de-gassing. The car is a 2007 Escalade ESV. Any help would be appreaciated.

 

[byrds6]

According to my Dad you should be able to. I know the plates in mine rattle but it still works fine. He keeps telling me to check the price of both just clutch or clutch and compressor cause sometimes its cheaper to get the whole thing. Other than the fact you have to remove the Freon if you replace the whole item.

 

[Dreadnought]

Thanks for the reply byrds6. I've actually answered my own question as I did it Yesterday. It is possible, but not easy as access is tight. Seeing what you are doing is the hard part. With the front skid pan removed there is enough space to get up inside the front bumper. One small screw to remove and two snap rings (they are the hard part), The clutch electrical connector is clipped to the side of the compressor and has to be slid up to remove. The system still has gas in it and the compressor shaft can be rotated quite easily by hand so I'm hoping a new clutch is all I need.

 

[bottomline2000]

Thanks for the reply byrds6. I've actually answered my own question as I did it Yesterday. It is possible, but not easy as access is tight. Seeing what you are doing is the hard part. With the front skid pan removed there is enough space to get up inside the front bumper. One small screw to remove and two snap rings (they are the hard part), The clutch electrical connector is clipped to the side of the compressor and has to be slid up to remove. The system still has gas in it and the compressor shaft can be rotated quite easily by hand so I'm hoping a new clutch is all I need.

did this fix your problem. I have an issue with my a/c, but the compressor turns over easily, no binding. I'm wondering if it is the clutch and/or the magnet behind it. the entire system was replaced by the dealer some years ago so I want to try this before evacuating the whole system.