Air Conditioning compressor clutch bearing has axial and radial play

BOATWRIGHTR

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
3.4L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

Air conditioning clutch pulley has axial and radial play. Daughter's vehicle and a solid truck. She was complaining of screeching noise under the hood. I test drove it for at least 40 mi. (Twice), but could not duplicate the gripe. I think I scared it. LoL! I found it by second attempt visual inspection under the hood. Belt was a little looser than the rest which led me to the pulley. I saw that I can order a replacement clutch vs. Whole compressor. Am interested to learn whether this is something I can do on the vehicle and, if so, what the procedure is, are there special tools needed, tips, risks, etc. I read where others had removed the clutch off of unrelated make/models and found unacceptable scouring on the shaft, but consider that to be an acceptable risk considering the replacement compressors I've found don't come with clutches, so nothing lost there in my mind. I "removed" (cut) the belt off ( I had already bought all new ones anyway), until I can figure out the best way forward. Please advise. And thanks in advance!

2 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

The clutch can be changed but it is something that is rarely done and not advisable. It usually cannot be done on the car so that mean a recovery machine is required and it does require special tools and measurements.

It is a very risky decision to change just the clutch as the heat from the clutch has usually damaged the rest of the compressor and if that fails at a later date, you will be changing the whole thing as compressors are not sold without clutches. I would advise replacing the whole compressor with a new unit, not reman and also replace the receiver dryer.