I think my A/C compressor clutch is toasted on my 95 LS 3.0(it lasted 241,000 miles). Do I need to replace the entire compressor, or, can I replace just the clutch.

Thanks in Advance.
Brian in Austin

Yes, the clutch can be replaced independent of the compressor. What makes you think the clutch is shot?

Just a best guess at this point, I had a strange scraping/howling sound (not very loud) coming from the compressor area every time I turned on the A/C.

A friend of mine and I spent some time looking at it and listening to it a few weeks back,....our best guess was that the clutch had an issue,....maybe the friction points were worn excessively (wherever, whatever they might be in an A/C clutch). It stopped cooling the last time I drove it a few days ago. I havent checked to see if there is still Freon in the system, I'll check it in the morning when its a bit cooler.

I did get out and have a look at the Montero this morning. I just touched the shrader valve on the drier bottle (High side I think,....there is an H on the valve cap). A blast of freon and oil shot out.

Also noticed that the front of the compressor, just behind the clutch is covered in a reddish brown dust,....thinking this might be ground/powdered friction material from the clutch.

Can anyone tell me where to find a clutch only?

Brian

Typically if the clutch is going out, it will make noise when the AC is off, and when you turn it on, and lock up the clutch, it will stop the noise.

Prob not what you wanted to hear... but.. good luck with it.

Is not necessarily an indication of proper charge.



There is an adjustment clearance for the clutch using shims. You might just need to adjust the clearance.

Possible clutch replacement here