This apparently is a common problem with these A/C compressors. Symptoms are A/C works when things are cold. When things warm up, the clutch fails to engage….
This apparently is a common problem with these A/C compressors. Symptoms are A/C works when things are cold. When things warm up, the clutch fails to engage….
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The clutch is not the solution for this problem. It is the air gap adjustment of the plates.
Could you have just changed the clutch?
Hi, i have a 96 ZJ, 5.2 for a winter vehicle [which i may add is amazing] and my A/C compressor was ‘growling’ so i ordered a bearing for 35.00 shipped then after looking i realized that not all bearings can be serviced and also the compressor was bone dry of oil, for $99.03 including shipping online i bought a remanufactured compressor, put in about 5 oz of oil and left it alone. Myself i NEVER buy junk yard stuff, over priced and the parts are already so old why bother? Just my opinion
FYI: this is not a “jeep” problem. The problem is the manufacturer (Sanden) of the AC compressor. This compressor is installed in many other vehicle makes, hence the 60K (so far) hits on this video.
Another fix for this would be to “not” buy a Jeep.
WOW fixed mine easier than you know.Ok thanks, but a bit different and easier. Learning what you said. I surmissed that there was wear on the dimples that limit the clutch when its off. They are worn. I didn not remove mine, studied it and noticed that a little tiny bit of the clutch ring was off a small amount. I carefully, use large punch and litly taped the outside plate where I saw a small difference in space. Pow mine works so far thanks was going to the desert and needed bad. Glad I found
Good luck with the replacement,r.
Yes, the increase in temperature IS the cause of this problem with the clutch.
Thanx for the reply rzelych,I get that.Isn’t it frustrating when the ac works when it’s cold,but not when it’s hot?Could it be the hot temperature was increasing the air gap?
The “mallet fix” was intended to confirm where the problem lies. The solution mentioned in the video and the comments is to remove a shim in the clutch and adjust the air gap.
I’d guess that’s why you would need the secial tool he showed at the end of the video.
I especially appreciated the mallet “fix” technique.I have a similar issue with mine,but I don’t use a mallet,I ,instead have to switch back and forthe between the inside recirculating air and outside until the clutch engages.Have you any insight of this issue?
The AC clutch cycles on and off when the system is turned on. When you hear the “clicks” in my video, that is when the clutch is cycling on or off.
The AC clutch is supposed to be running constantly when the AC is on, correct?
So when mine starts and stops when the AC is on, this means the clutch is bad? Correct
Awesome adjustment tool! lol I’m going to try that now. Having the exact same problem with my Jeep Liberty but it’s been working for 9 years until now without problems.Can’t get the top off of the clutch, the bolt doesn’t turn, the whole assemble does so I can’t loosen it to replace it or see what’s wrong.
Ok so I turned on my 2001 jeep cherokee and warmed it up and when the gas is pushed or reved up the clutch will stop moving, does that mean my clutch is bad. Then it will start up again after some time, meaning 30 seconds maybe, but almost every time I push the gas with any effort that clutch locks up and squeals. Is it the bearings or the clutch that has the chirping? Thanks
I’m not a Professional AC technician, but I think it is close to normal. Although, there are times when I think it to be too short. When the system is cold, it works well enough. My system was recently converted to 134 by the professionals and they didn’t tell me about the air gap issue but guessed that it might be something else that would be big dollars to repair. I’m really getting pissed about being screwed by the Professionals in the Auto repair industry.
Is that a normal clutch cycle interval? My fit’s ac clutch also cycles at the same interval like yours. Is it normal or excessive? Thanks
Clarification required; it only works when IT is cold. After a few minutes the compressor heats up and the air gap on the clutch goes out of spec and stops working.
Why does my truck surge when AC is turned on? 95toy Tacoma
How do you know it only works when it’s cold out? If it’s already cold out, is it cooling it colder than ambient?
Agreed on the Amazon shipping, hit or miss. Thanks for subbing, hopefully I can keep you entertained for what interests you. I cover a few topics here on my channel, such as yourself.
Whenever I try to get equipment off Amazon, I find retailers who aren’t willing to ship to Canada.
I browsed through your channel today, Mike. Great site, I sub’d. I lived in Edmonton for a horizon-expanding 8 years, it’s a great city.
Dave
Of course the refrigerant will need to be evacuated if you remove the compressor, properly I might add. You should be able to work on the clutch assembly without removing the compressor. In my video I had a second compressor that I showed. I still have not removed my original yet … I get 8 months of winter here so no rush.
Did you have to evacuate the refrigerant and pull the compressor to rebuild it? or were you able to work on it in place? I think I am having the same problem on my ’02 Liberty
Can you please make a video an how to rebuild one and what to look for in what goes wrong in them please?
jeep…. just empties every pocket. Girlfriend has one, working on the ac this weekend, it is a great vehicle, just everything will go on it before you ever have an engine mechanical problem.
okay.that answers my question ,exactly.LOL Makes sense .BTW good job on the video,your narrative is alot better than most on here.
Nothing wrong with what you say. I bought my used compressor more for the learning experience. Not being a professional in the field its good to practice before the big game.
Removing one of the shims and rechecking the gap is the recommended solution.
Not trying to be a wise guy here or anything,but I’m curious .If you were going to buy a used compressor,especially one that has to repaired to work,why not just rebuild your own compressor and save that extra 60 or 70 dollars?Personally,when it comes to A/C parts I always go with new components,I would rather spend those extra dollars on something I know is going to work.Just saying…
My ’99 XJ has the exact problem. You might have rushed over the solution, or I watched it too fast. If I pull the clutch off, I can remove shims until the clearance is .006″ and that should re-set my air gap. Is this right?
Thank you. Although, I see someone has already given it the “thumbs down”. Can’t make everyone happy.
The clutch is either on or off. If you have an issue with amount of cooling I would think low levels of coolant before compressor.
I like the way in which you do your videos. Well explained and you don’t cut corners.
good info man! i have issues with my compressor on my car, the low side is higher than the high size (by about 3 fold) you think the clutch is seized on it as well? it will produce cool air when its not blazing hot out, but when its a scorcher out there it cant keep up at all
i’ll give it the mallet test and see what happens. luckily a brand new compressor for my vehicle is only $150 free ship on ebay, $170 from auto zone
Ford compressors have the same problem and solution. Usually the same diagnostic process too. Hit it with a blunt object and see if it goes again.