AC Clutch issues

Is this just the compressor clutch assembly

  • yes

    Votes: 2 100.0%

  • no

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    2
B

bnanton01

Member
Car
2005 FX35 AWD
Hey Guys,

I have a strange issue. On the last oil change I noticed that there was a redish dust around the AC clutch. Fast forward to winter and -25 degree Celsius weather and recently I've been getting a bearing noise (screeching) - (not a belt slip noise for sure) at start up that will last quite a while coupled with the fact that the clutch will not engage when the AC is switched on.

If it was just the bearing noise then I would just go for the compressor bearing however since the clutch is not engaging I am a bit confused and really don't understand how the clutch would work.

Any ideas what this could be ?

-B
 
You probably just have worn belts... Have them checked and if they're not cracked, just adjust the tension on the belts... If cracked, replace...
 
Thanks. I will give it a check however the belts were both done at the end of Fall. I will give them another check.

However your saying that if the belt is slipping the clutch will not engage at all ? I thought i would at least hear it click on and off.

-B
 
The clutch on the compressor is likely bad. The dust is from rust inside the unit, sounds like the bearing is bad as well, and that's where the noise is coming from. There are magnets inside the clutch that engage the compressor when the control sends it's signal to the compressor. If the clutch is not engaging it is probably bad.
 
danC said:
The clutch on the compressor is likely bad. The dust is from rust inside the unit, sounds like the bearing is bad as well, and that's where the noise is coming from. There are magnets inside the clutch that engage the compressor when the control sends it's signal to the compressor. If the clutch is not engaging it is probably bad.
Click to expand...

Thank you. This is what I was thinking as well. Hopefully I can DIY it in the spring.

-B
 
Be careful if you're going to leave it alone. The bearing could fail all together, and that might cause the unit to lock up, causing the belt to fail etc. Then you would be stranded as that belt drives other things as well.
 
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