A/C compressor fix or remove

[bcritical]

I have 96 Corsica 3.1L the A/C compressor is making nise eithe bad clutch or bearing. I can't get the pully and clutch pack off? Does anyone have any or know where and pics are to show me how they go together.

Plus if I just wanted to remove the AC compressor is the a way of getting a smaller belt and still work or do I need a dummy idler ther to work.

Bill

[RednBlack]

If you are going to remove it, you will need an idler pulley of some sort. I have seen them fabbed. Shouldn't be too hard. Find or buy an idler pulley and make a bracket. patgizz has one. (Ain't pretty, but it is functional.)

[bcritical]

Little more information

My main problem is that the clutch plate is contacting the pulley even though I have the AC unit unplug completely. Why would this be it seems as if the magnet or something is pulling it towards the pulley not enough to lock the clutch to the pulley but enough to move make a enormous noise and creating metal shaving. Why would this happen?? And how can I keep them apart..

[RednBlack]

Actually, you can pull the clutch plate very easily. Get the proper puller, take off the nut and just do away with it if your bearings are OK. The flywheel will stay on just fine.

[bcritical]

Thanks RedandBlack,

But does anyone know what the actual problem is so that I can fix it for the summer? It is very puzzling!!!!

[slick94prix]

If you are going to remove it, you will need an idler pulley of some sort. I have seen them fabbed. Shouldn't be too hard. Find or buy an idler pulley and make a bracket. patgizz has one. (Ain't pretty, but it is functional.)

You actually don't need a pulley for it to still run, but its the ghetto way of doing things. patgizz's pulley is pretty cool. For the short amount of time he spent making it, it's pretty nice. A few days ago when I was over at his place, he said he plans on making up a new one, so it will be much more appealing.

[RednBlack]

Clutches wear, and with wear, comes heat, which causes distortion and loss of proper clearance. That is usually where the drag comes from. The clutch plate has basically the same fiber compounds as a tranny clutch. When it wears away, you are running metal to metal. (Heat) You may be able to replace the clutch plate and it will work fine. If you do though, just as a clutch in a tranny, either replace the flywheel or have it surfaced.

[RednBlack]

Proper pullers are a MUST for this though. You can't just bang them off. The compressor shaft is easily bent. A nut holds the clutch plate on. That same 'locknut", also adjusts your clearance when going back together. The flywheel is held in place by a snap ring. I can get the clearance specs for you.I believe it will be close to .015" to .025".

[bcritical]

Your telling me these two parts are like a clutch in a tranny..I don't see that, they are just two metal piece being brought together by a magnet. What would make these two parts when one is spinning want to come togeter with force? See attachements

[RednBlack]

I stand corrected. Newer clutches are metal, but the same principal applies. When they wear, they slip. When they slip, they heat up. They distort and drag. Check your clearance all around it as it stands. I will bet it isn't constant.

[bcritical]

The problem seems to be that the front plate is being pulled into the pulley not just touching it on and of making a light sound. It is pulling the plate in until it actually starts to turn the compressor at 1/25 the speed of the pulley cause a hugh noise and metal shavings what is pullin it in distortion ...distortion would push them apart or at least make it intermitt sounding not constant like a grinder. The real crazy thing is once and a while it releases and makes no noise at all...go figure this is not the normal and the sound is getting worse you would think that the gap would be widening but oit just keep getting stronger?

I am sure it is not constant too...

[bcritical]

So you are saying I can adjust the clearance by not tighning the lock nut what keeps it from moving then. I think the front plate is torqued on and doesn't move in the center the outside of the plate is what moves in to contact the pulley?
All that movement of the the front plate would surelly wear out the shaft and the keyway.plus keyway items don't normally move for and aft.

[bcritical]

Does anyone else have any suggestion on the cause of this issue?