A/C pulley spins only when AC is turned on

1999 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
177,000 MILES • 2.8L • V6 • 2WD • MANUAL
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KPSINGLEDAD530
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  • 1 POST
My AC pulley only spins when I turn my air conditioner on. I was wondering if I need to replace the whole air conditioner compressor or if I could just replace the clutch?
Jul 23, 2018 at 10:39 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

The AC clutch engages the compressor when you turn it on. At that point, the center of the pulley should engage and turn. When it is off, the pulley has to turn or the belt would break. I attached a picture to better help. Number 5 has to turn or the belt would break. Numbers 2 and 7 are the clutch components you should see turn when it is turned on.

Is that what it is doing?

Let me know what the symptoms are so I can better help. I will watch for your reply.

Take care,
Joe
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Jul 23, 2018 at 7:21 PM
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