Hello, I have a 2002 Ram 2500 V8 that I'm having a bad sound (sounds like the bearing) coming from the ac compressor and the compressor barely spins with the belt off. Should I replace just the bearing or the bearing and clutch too? Also can this be replaced while the compressor is in the truck? Id rather not have to take off the whole compressor and refill the AC system after. Thank you

 

Personally, I'd replace the entire compressor. I suspect that it's been ridden hard & wet, plus it's 20+ years old and R-134a refrigerant isn't terribly expensive (and is widely available) like say the newer refrigerant R1234yf. Vacuum units and 134a A/C gauge sets are cheap at Harbor Freight, if you'd like to do it yourself. There are also plenty of YouTube how-to videos available as well..

 

Clutches rarely go bad(the coil), Bearings yes. If it works fine otherwise just replace the bearing. My truck has 248K with the original compressor and no issues. The compressor only turns when the ac/defrost are on. According to the video there are different bearings. See if you can get the # on the seal of either side of the bearing to id it.

 

I agree -- just do the bearing. You don't have a lot to lose even if the compressor dies soon. You'll have more time than $ into it

 

After seeing a bunch of metal shavings, the clutch not sitting flush with the rest of the compressor, and the amount of play I ended up going atomicdog's suggestion and replacing the whole unit last night. I'll see if i can save the old compressor now that it is out, My 5.9 Durango has been needing a compressor anyway. thank you for the video I'll be using that to repair my old one