a.c. clutch broken?

Question

My A.C. clutch has broken. I have found a replacement pulley at autozone. The a.c. wont work, but I could still drive my car. How much trouble would it be to take out the compressor, and replace it with just the pulley, and how much should I expect to pay if I cant do it? The car is a 1996 ford taurus with a 3.0

Answer 1

It would be cheaper and easier just to replace the pulley on the compressor you have. Those are fairly easy to remove on the 12 valve engine. Just remove the passenger side cooling fan, the belt, and the bolts that mount the compressor. It will come right out. If the power steering line is in the way, just remove it from the p/s pump and move it aside.
If the only thing wrong with the a/c is a failed pulley brg that burnt the clutch, replace the whole clutch assy and you should have a/c. If the compressor locked and burnt the clutch, then just replace the pulley, unless you plan to fix the a/c.
If you need any info about repairing the a/c, contact me, it is what specialize in at a Ford dealer.
There is not enough clearance to get the clutch off while mounted to the engine, and the coil is pressed on, not bolted. Be real tough to do with the compressor in the vehicle, even if there were room......

Answer 2

The clutch can be replaced without removing the compressor but it requires special tools to pull it off and put it on auto zone may have the tools available to loan. you have to remove the belt then 1 nut in the middle of the clutch. Use the clutch puller to remove the old clutch and snap ring pliers to remove the snap ring that holds on the pulley. If your new clutch comes with a new coil you can replace it as well I think it has 3 small bolts holding it on but I'm not sure. then reverse the procedure to put it together the clutch should have about a .080 gap when it is re assembled so don't tighten the nut to far.

Answer 3

Why not just replace the AC clutch?? Clutches are not that much. You didn't mention, but is the compressor locked up? If the compressor is good, I would just replace the clutch and be back in business. good luck either way.