Removal

REMOVAL

NOTE: The compressor clutch assembly can be serviced with the refrigerant system fully-charged.

NOTE: Typical A/C compressor shown in illustrations.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.

2. Remove the accessory drive belt.

3. Raise and support the vehicle.

4. Disconnect the engine wire harness from the clutch field coil connector located on the top of the A/C compressor.

5. On models with the 3.3L and 3.8L engines, disengage the engine wire harness connector retainer from the bracket located on the top of the A/C compressor.

6. On models with the 2.4L, 2.5L and 2.8L engines, remove all of the compressor mounting bolts except the upper left (rear of the A/C compressor), which should only be loosened. Allow the front (pulley end) of the A/C compressor to tilt downward far enough to access the clutch for removal, then tighten the loosened upper left compressor mounting bolt.

7. On models with the 3.3L and 3.8L engines, remove the two bolts and two nuts that secure the A/C compressor to the engine. Disengage the mounting ear at the front of the A/C compressor from the stud on the engine, allow the front (pulley end) of the A/C compressor to tilt downward far enough to access the clutch for removal, then reinstall and tighten the upper left compressor mounting bolt.

8. Carefully remove the compressor clutch field coil connector and wire lead from the connector bracket.

9. Remove the compressor shaft bolt (Figure 1). A band-type oil filter wrench or a strap wrench may be used to secure the clutch during bolt removal.






Figure 1 A/C Compressor Shaft Bolt






CAUTION: Do not pry between the clutch plate and the pulley and bearing assembly to remove the clutch plate from the compressor shaft as this may damage the clutch plate.

NOTE: Use care not to lose any clutch shim(s) during removal of the clutch plate, as they may be reused during the clutch plate installation process.

10. Tap the clutch plate lightly with a plastic mallet to release it from the splines on the compressor shaft and remove the clutch plate and shim(s) (Figure 2).






Figure 2 Clutch Plate and Shim(s)





11. Using Snap Ring Pliers 9764 or equivalent, remove the snap ring that secures the pulley and bearing assembly to the front of the A/C compressor and remove the pulley and bearing assembly (Figure 3).






Figure 3 Clutch Pulley and Snap Ring





12. Using Snap Ring Pliers 9764 or equivalent, remove the snap ring that secures the clutch field coil to the front of the A/C compressor and remove the field coil (Figure 4).






Figure 4 Clutch Coil and Snap Ring