2006 Chevrolet SSR A/C compressor or clutch

Tiny
SEAN03
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET SSR
  • 6.0L
  • V8
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
Hi I was wondering how I would know if my ac compressor is the problem or if the clutch bearing is. When I was driving it it sounded like something was grinding like the clutch bearing had frozen. I had to cut the belt off because I could not figure how to get the belt off I finally know how to remove it and install it now. If I turn the clutch by hand with the car off should I feel resistance or will it just be hard to turn. The reason I cut the belt is because it was getting ready to break and tear my other belt up which I did not want to happen. When I turn the clutch does the car need to be I the run position or can I leave it completely off. I will try it since the belt is off. Thanks.
Sunday, May 11th, 2014 AT 1:05 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If the clutch on a/c compressor will turn but the pulley where the belt rides won't then the bearing for the pulley is seized. If the clutch won't turn with engine off of course then probably the compressor and clutch are seized and pro should fix this. Actually if the clutch bearing is bad a pro should fix that as well as it has to be set to a certain spec so it works right.
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Sunday, May 11th, 2014 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
SEAN03
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Just curious you don't think I would be able to do it. I have all the equipment to do it I have the recovery machine the recovery tank the manifold gauges and the tools. My dad does a/c work and hasn't had time to look at it. I have the licenses but really I am still learning some things. I was just curious if someone like my dad since he does regular hvac could do it or not. But like you said it has to be set at the right specs. Thanks for all the help I appreciate it. Thanks again.
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Sunday, May 11th, 2014 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
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  • 48,601 POSTS
You cold do it but if the compressor is shot have a pro do it because it sends crap all through the system it has to be back flushed to get it out then you need to add correct amount of oil to system. You would have to replace the drier/accumaltor and orfice which is in line. Your dad may be familiar with it a little.
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Sunday, May 11th, 2014 AT 4:26 PM
Tiny
SEAN03
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  • 523 POSTS
Ok thanks for all the help
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Sunday, May 11th, 2014 AT 4:28 PM
Tiny
SEAN03
  • MEMBER
  • 523 POSTS
Hey one last question. I examined the compressor today. Where the belt sits on the wheel it turns with no problem. So I would say it is not the clutch bearing. I examined it even more and when I looked at the front of it it looks like it has a solid bolt that you hammer in there are 3 of them. They are pushed out a quarter of an inch and the plate behind it is Wobblie. Look at this one from autozone in the front it has 3 bolts and then their is a plate in front of where the belt sits. Is their any way to fix it. Thanks.
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Monday, May 12th, 2014 AT 10:48 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Make sure the compressor will turnover first it kinda sounds like the clutch is shot for a/c. A lot of times the compressor has to be replaced to get the clutch an dyou will need a special tool to remove the clutch if it is sold separate.
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Monday, May 12th, 2014 AT 12:09 PM

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