Learn All About Car Air Conditioning Clutch
What Is Air Conditioning Clutch?
The AC compressor clutch in a car helps in connecting and disconnecting
the drive power to the AC compressor shaft of the car. Unlike the transmission
clutch in a car, an AC compressor clutch will either transmit full drive power
to the AC compressor else it won’t. It is not meant to supply partial power. An
AC compressor clutch which slips is an indication of severe wear, shorted
clutch coil or an invalid air gap.
A dedicated drive belt is used by some engines to drive the AC compressor, whereas other engines use a drive belt which helps to drive several components. When the engine is running, the compressor pulley is rotated by the AC compressor drive belt at all times. Unless and until the clutch is engaged, the pulley will not rotate the AC compressor shaft.
Where Air Conditioning Clutch is Located?
The clutch plate is fixed to the engine which helps
to turn the plate that is fixed to the air conditioner and finally turns on the
air conditioner.
Material Used in A/C Clutch
How Do Air Conditioning Clutch Work?
Compressor clutches are also known as magnetic clutch as they work like an electromagnet. There are 3 components of a clutch.
- As the engine runs and rotates around a pulley
bearing, the clutch body or pulley will be rotated by the drive belt.
- The coil of the compressor clutch is made of
copper wire. A magnetic field will be created when the driver requests AC
and the system starts supplying power to the clutch coil.
- The clutch plate will be fixed to the AC
compressor shaft and this helps to drive the compressor when it touches
against the body of the body.
- A portion of the clutch plate will be pulled
against the clutch body or pulley as the clutch coil receives power and
generates a magnetic field, thus making it rotate the compressor shaft.
Symptoms Of Bad Air Conditioning Clutch
The
integral part of the air conditioning system is the AC compressor which
pressurizes the refrigerant and its distribution. If there is any issue with
the AC compressor, you will not receive cold air and the engine might get
seized if the compressor is stuck. There are a few reasons as to why the AC
compressor may fail.
AC
Blowing Hot Air
- One
of the common symptoms which you might notice is that the AC system will stop
blowing cold air.
- This happens if the compressor fails to effectively distribute the refrigerant which results in the air conditioning system to blow hot air.
Compressor
Making Weird Noises
- There
are a number of internal components as the AC compressor is a complex component
and has to carry out certain functions.
- If
the compressor is damaged, the internal components will also get affected and
they start producing different noises.
- For example, you will hear squealing or grinding noise if the bearings are worn out. The best option is to replace the whole compressor in this case.
Refrigerant
Fluid Leaking
- Internal
bearings are present in the AC compressor which will not allow the fluid to
escape while pressurizing the refrigerant.
- However,
these bearings will get damaged when it turns old and as a result, the fluid
will start leaking through them.
- In one such scenario, you will see the residue of the leaky fluid near the compressor which indicates that the bearings are worn out.
Faulty
Compressor Clutch
- The
compressor clutch will regulate when the AC compressor turns on and off.
- If
the compressor clutch is faulty, then the air conditioning system will
permanently be turned off.
- You
can replace a faulty compressor clutch but it’s the best option to change the
whole compressor in order to save time and extra costs.
Tools Needed For Air Conditioning Clutch
There are a number of skilled auto mechanics who
have a goal of opening their own car repair shop at some point in their career.
But let’s face it; if you want to put up an efficient as well as profit making
shop, then you might need much more than mechanical skills. There are a number
of tools which you might need to perform the car repairs quickly as well as
reliably. Auto repair equipment that you will need to repair your Air
Conditioning Clutch may include:
- New air compressor
- Screwdriver
- Refrigerant recovery machine
Top Brands For Air Conditioning Clutch
It is true that the brands which we use make a statement about who we
are and who we are willing to be in the future. There are a number of car lovers
which are emotionally attached with a specific brand for their car parts. So,
if you are searching for a particular brand for your Air Conditioning Clutch
then you have arrived at the right place. Have a look below: -
Related Parts Of A/C Clutch
It is very important to arm yourself with information before you shop any auto part. We are here to help you dive deep into the names of the A/C Clutch related parts.
Total Costs & Repair Times, Effort For Air Conditioning Clutch
More than any other kind of failure in a car,
there's almost nothing that's quite as heart-breaking as a completely damaged
Air Conditioning Clutch. Now when we talk about the replacement cost, it might
vary a lot even in the same car depending upon its performance, labor cost,
brand, etc. The approximate cost for an AC clutch replacement usually lies
between $580 and $666 and the Labor costs are estimated to lie between $194 and
$245. The parts are priced between $386 and $421 and these estimates do not
include taxes and fees.
How To Change Air Conditioning Clutch?
Step 1: Buy a New Compressor
- In order to change the electric clutch in the air
conditioning system, you will have to replace the whole air compressor.
- Buy a replacement depending on the type of
compressor which is compatible to your car.
Step 2: Get Access to the Compressor
- Before you start working on the car, open the hood
and allow the engine to cool completely.
- Detach the battery by removing the black negative
cable first and then the red positive cable.
- Check the air compressor as you can find the clutch
inside.
Step 3: Remove R134-a From the System
- R134a is a chemical which is the same as Freon and
has to be removed from the air conditioner system before you unhook the hose.
- It is dangerous if you touch or inhale. In order to
get it out, you must use a refrigerant recovery machine.
- You can also take your car to an air conditioning
mechanic to remove the R134-a, if you don't have access to such a machine.
Step 4: Remove Air Compressor
- Unhook any hose that is fixed to the air
conditioning or heating system, as well as the wire that leads to the AC
clutch’s electromagnet.
- Remove, if there are any other restraints that keep
the air compressor in place. Check the compressor for further damages by taking
it out.
Step 5: Install the New Clutch
- Fix the new compressor in the place of the old one,
and ensure that the space between the friction plates is correct.
- Reattach the hoses and wires in a similar way that
they were fixed to the old compressor.
- Fix the car battery again and start your car.
- Ensure that the new clutch is functioning properly.
- The fan that is present behind the grate should be
blowing when you turn the A/C on, and the friction plates should be pressed
together and turning.
- It is easy to replace the AC clutch. if it is done
by professionals, then it might cost a lot.
- So, it is the best idea to fix the new air
conditioning clutch by yourself and save money.
- If the AC clutch is worn out, then it can have a
negative impact on the life and efficiency of the entire air conditioning
system of your vehicle.
