I searched but there is too much stuff on A/C and I'm getting ready for a trip. I hear a sort of grinding / bearing noise and see my A/C compressor clutch is kinda moving (engine running with A/C off). Is this the sign the clutch is bad or a symptom it is low on freon?? I had my A/C on earlier during the drive. 88 10AE.

I suppose I could just remove the belt for the trip if need be.

Thanks...

 

The bearing is no good. You can change the belt to one that bypasses the a/c compressor.

 

i'm not sure exactly what you're asking, but there IS a bearing in the clutch assembly, and the bearing is what lets the belt part of the thing spin freely.

when you turn the AC on, it energizes a big magnet and this pulls the two halves of the pulley together

 

It looks like the belt goes from the center hub around the A/C compressor across and idler. Can't the belt just be removed? I'm not sure why a belt is needed to bypass the compressor? Can you expand on this a little? Appreciate the info.

Bearing failure. Kinda makes since since I had an odd faint sound in the area for some time, but couldn't quite isolate it. I thought it was an idler bearing.

 

It looks like the belt goes from the center hub around the A/C compressor across and idler. Can't the belt just be removed? I'm not sure why a belt is needed to bypass the compressor? Can you expand on this a little? Appreciate the info.

Bearing failure. Kinda makes since since I had an odd faint sound in the area for some time, but couldn't quite isolate it. I thought it was an idler bearing.

Ugh, its a Nippon Denso compressor.

 

Yes, the belt can be removed without problem. You just won't have AC, which won't even be necessary right now.

 

Thanks for the belt info. I'll remove it until I have a chance to swap out the compressor. It was quite warm yesterday here in FL but turned cold. Regardless, I always like to cycle the system every couple weeks to keep things lubricated - habit from my parents I picked up..

 

O yeah i forgot that belt just can be removed. Duhhh brain fart!

 

Well I took the A/C belt off and ordered a remanufactured Nippon Denso compressor, and I think I have a drier on-hand that will fit. Any installation advice???

I did my 90' A/C compressor install with engine out of the car during my engine rebuild, but the 88' engine is in the car. Will I be able to jack the engine high enough to get the lower A/C compressor bolts out?

 

I was helping a friend replace his AC Compressor on his 2nd Gen. You can remove it without jacking up the engine, but it is a tight fit to get it out.

Before you pull the compressor, I'd do a leak test to make sure the hoses are good.

 

Thanks for the info. That is really good advice and I didn't think about that. I'll put it on my list to accomplish before removing the compressor. Luckily, I still have my portable nitrogen cylinder I used for my other A/C installation. Thanks again!