Air Conditioning compressor clutch bearing has axial and radial play

Tiny
BOATWRIGHTR
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
Air conditioning clutch pulley has axial and radial play. Daughter's vehicle and a solid truck. She was complaining of screeching noise under the hood. I test drove it for at least 40 mi. (Twice), but could not duplicate the gripe. I think I scared it. LoL! I found it by second attempt visual inspection under the hood. Belt was a little looser than the rest which led me to the pulley. I saw that I can order a replacement clutch vs. Whole compressor. Am interested to learn whether this is something I can do on the vehicle and, if so, what the procedure is, are there special tools needed, tips, risks, etc. I read where others had removed the clutch off of unrelated make/models and found unacceptable scouring on the shaft, but consider that to be an acceptable risk considering the replacement compressors I've found don't come with clutches, so nothing lost there in my mind. I "removed" (cut) the belt off ( I had already bought all new ones anyway), until I can figure out the best way forward. Please advise. And thanks in advance!
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Tuesday, February 18th, 2014 AT 10:05 PM

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Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
The clutch can be changed but it is something that is rarely done and not advisable. It usually cannot be done on the car so that mean a recovery machine is required and it does require special tools and measurements.

It is a very risky decision to change just the clutch as the heat from the clutch has usually damaged the rest of the compressor and if that fails at a later date, you will be changing the whole thing as compressors are not sold without clutches. I would advise replacing the whole compressor with a new unit, not reman and also replace the receiver dryer.
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Wednesday, February 19th, 2014 AT 2:43 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
I re-read your question and see that you have found compressors that are sold without clutches. That's more the exception rather than the rule and it's usually the manufacturer that does that. Most aftermarkets are sold complete.
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Wednesday, February 19th, 2014 AT 2:46 AM

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