my ac compressor stopped turning last week and snapped my belt so right now my trucks not going anywhere. i don't have the funds to have a mechanic put a new compressor on (they want like 1100 to do it) normally id just do it myself but i don't have the tools with me here at college for it. I'm assuming all that really went on it though is the clutch assembly on the front. I've found a new clutch assembly online through a parts place for just about 100 bucks and thats brand new. from what I've read changing just the clutch assembly on its pretty simple and you don't have to discharge the whole system. anyone on here changed just the clutch assembly before? how hard is it? tools etc.. it'd be pretty sweet if i could get away just getting a new clutch assembly and belt and do it myself. thanks.

 

I fear your problem isn't the clutch. I have a feeling your compressor is seized...probably from low oil or coolant level.

With the belt removed, can you manually turn the compressor by hand? You should be able to turn it fairly easily. If not, the compressor is bad and needs to be replaced...not the clutch.

 

oh god dammit, with the belt off, the it doesn't want to spin at all. not the news i wanted to hear but thanks for the help none the less. looks like I'm gonna be without transportation for a while unless i can get someone to put a shorter belt on and bypass it

 

+1 on what Sooper said. Remove cluth and check compressor before spending the coin.

Also, if you look at the sticker under the hood, you should see how you can use a shorter belt and bypass the AC compressor. Make sure you wrap the belt correctly. Don't want to turn anything backwards!

 

Your profile information doesn't indicate where you are from. If you were close enough, I would gladly donate a spare compressor I have that spins freely. It may or may not hold pressure, but it will work as a working idler pulley until you can fix it.

If you're not close enough for the part to be exchanged in person, I'll offer the part up for free if you want it shipped and simply pay shipping.

Offer's on the table.

 

sooper thats awfully generous, i have to make a decision on what i want to do and ill get back to you but really do appreciate it

 

No problem, just let me know. The shorter belt and different routing will probably be the fastest and easiest solution. However, once you do fix the system that belt is wasted.

On the flip side, a spare compressor will not only allow you to use a stock belt and configuration but it's possibly a good compressor that just needs a system recharge. True, it may not hold and you may still need a new compressor down the road...so it's a gamble.

 

Just put a shorter belt on until you can afford to fix the compressor or replace it.. Problem solved

 

Just go to auto parts store and order belt for your truck without AC. I can't remember what the length for it is.

From Rockauto.com: DAYCO Part # 5070885 Effective Length 88.58 / Top Width .96 / No of Ribs 7 / Thickness 0.169 Serpentine Belt
Multiple Accessory, w/o A.C.$24.89$24.89

 

1100.00 seems on high side. A new compressor is around 280.00. What if you put the new compressor on, then had a shop do the vac and recharge?