Compressor Clutch: Service and Repair

A/C Compressor Clutch Overhaul

Special Tools Required

- A/C clutch holder; Robinair 10290, Kent-Moore J37872, Honda Tool and Equipment ACT 499A, or a commercially available equivalent
1. Remove the center nut while holding the armature plate (A) with a commercially available A/C clutch holder (B).
NOTE:

- Do not use a hammer to remove the snap rings. Using a hammer damages the compressor.

- Do not hammer or pry on the pulley to remove it. If the pulley is difficult to remove, use a commercially available pulley removing tool. Make sure the jaws of the pulling tool engage the back face of the pulley, not the pulley grooves.





2. Remove the armature plate (A) and the shim(s) (B), taking care not to lose the shim(s). If the clutch needs adjustment, increase or decrease the number and thickness of shims as necessary, then reinstall the armature plate, and recheck its clearance. Testing and Inspection
NOTE: The shims are available in four thicknesses: 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.5 mm.






3. If you are replacing the field coil, remove the snap ring (A) with snap ring pliers, then remove the rotor pulley (B). Be careful not to damage the rotor pulley or the A/C compressor.






4. Remove the bolts and the holders (A), then disconnect the field coil connector. Remove the snap ring (B) with snap ring pliers, then remove the field coil (C). Be careful not to damage the field coil or the A/C compressor.

5. Reassemble the clutch in the reverse order of disassembly, and note these items:
- When replacing the field coil, check that the new coil has the correct resistance. Testing and Inspection

- Install the field coil with the wire side facing down, and align the boss on the field coil with the hole in the A/C compressor.

- Clean the rotor pulley and the A/C compressor sliding surfaces with contact cleaner or other non-petroleum solvent.

- Install new snap rings, note the installation direction, and make sure they are fully seated in the grooves.

- Make sure that the rotor pulley turns smoothly after it's reassembled.

- Route and clamp the wires properly to prevent damage by the rotor pulley.

6. After reinstallation, cycle the A/C clutch approximately 20 times by running the engine at 1,500-2,000 rpm and setting the A/C system to MAX A/C mode. This procedure seats the clutch friction surfaces, and increases clutch torque capacity.