AC compressor clutch replacement (need advice)

[osama.tahir1992]

Hi,

I've noticed that my compressor's rotating part is making noise when it's engaged. A mechanic told me that a compressor clutch replacement will fix the job but most AC mechanics will only agree to replacing the whole compressor because they're not skilled enough to do a delicate clutch replacement task that doesn't cause any refrigerant leakages.

The performance of my AC is excellent however. I'm just worried if a bad compressor clutch could affect other components of my car (make the engine work harder, put more strain on neighboring pulleys connected by the belt etc.)?

Also if this problem means it's only a matter of time before my AC performance starts getting affected, then I'd like to resolve this issue before it becomes absolutely necessary.

I just need this community's advice. Should I leave this be? If not, can you recommend any AC mechanic in Karachi that I can trust to do a clutch replacement without removing my compressor and wasting my refrigerant?

[osama.tahir1992]

Bump

[jonygurt]

The sound produced by your clutch most likely indicates a worn-out bearing. If you don't address the issue, the bearing could eventually seize, causing the clutch to stop functioning. As a result, the drive belt of the compressor will experience excessive wear. If your compressor is also connected to the Gas Distribution Mechanism, you might be looking at engine repairs. The second danger is the potential for ignition due to an overheated clutch.

[Xulfiqar]

ask around, compressor clutch bearing repair is an everyday job at a car ac workshop.

[nfssaad]

the clutch bearing is always working. if it was worn out it would always make noise.

on engaging the compressor shaft starts rotating. your problem is not with the clutch.

[osama.tahir1992]

Thanks guys. I came across some AC mechanic online who seems to have great reviews and he has a pretty cool YouTube channel too where he sounds like he knows what he's talking about. Thinking of paying him a visit.

But there's a new development in my noise problem. As before the AC compressor sound that occurs when the AC is on is still there. But now I'm getting another sound that only occurs when I accelerate suddenly but only with less than half a pedal pressed. If I go over or under that pedal pressure (that I've learned to replicate almost perfectly now), the sound disappears. It's a grating kind of sound, very much like you'd expect to come from bearing/pulley.

This sound occurs regardless of whether the AC is on or not. I'm sure it's not the generator, water body, tensioner, or that other pulley (I had them all replaced). I don't know what else remains...

I did a test drive with a mechanic along and was able to reproduce the sound and he's like you should still get the compressor problem fixed first as that's likely the culprit with this sound too. I don't know if he's making any sense because that sound is independent of AC being on or off..

I'm planning to get the opinion of another mechanic. At this rate, I'll have to quit my job because I'm chasing after one mechanic or the other all day every day lol.