A/C Clutch Replacement?

[HalM]

After one day at VIR weekend before last, I started hearing a strange jingle from the rear engine compartment of my 1999 996. It was like a string of Christmas bells ringing. The next morning, a mechanic I know was walking past and i got his opinion which was that an accessory was having a problem, probably the A/C clutch because the A/C stopped functioning the same time.

Anyone else had either an a/c or a/c clutch failure? This is very reminiscent of an issue I had years ago with a new '77 320i.

Are clutches available independent from the entire compressor? Is this a reasonable DIY replacement?

Any and all help welcome.

Edited November 28, 2011 by HalM

[JFP in PA]

The clutch can be replaced by itself, but you will need a special tool to get it off.

[xmac]

PM or search for the forum member "Jose. " He recently had a compressor failure (he didn't know it at the time) but went through the process of replacing the clutch. In the end he had to replace the whole compressor but may be able to help you with the clutch swap.

[Nehmaiz]

03 C4s 117K KM

I recently started hearing a jingle coming from the engine bay, so i removed the airbox and belt and checked the pulleys, A/C clutch bearing definitely giving way.... AC blows Ice cold though, so i guess only the clutch needs replacement.

Is it safe to drive the car for like 2 weeks until the clutch is delivered? or if the bearings of the AC clutch fail i'm in deep $hit??

if i turn on the AC in the car, does that disengage the clutch and thus risk not killin the bearings? the noise seems to be reduced when AC is On.

thanks,

Nehme

[scottiemac]

I'd be careful if I were you. The bearing supports the pulley and it is under load both when the A/C is on or off. If the bearing lets go there may be collateral damage to your compressor.

[HalM]

FWIW, I ended up getting a rebuilt compressor with clutch from Pelican for about $500. That seemed the best and safest alternative. I go back to the track in late April, so I will be interested to see if that had any impact..

Edited March 14, 2012 by HalM