Where can I buy a replacement AC clutch?

BuyAutoParts has a quality replacement AC compressor and clutch assembly for nearly every vehicle on the road. We frequently get questions asking about ordering just the compressor or A/C clutch on their own, because only one of them was diagnosed as needing replacement.

How does an AC clutch work on a car?

by Tina Reichmann. An AC clutch engages and disengages the compressor when your car’s air conditioning is turned on and off. Once an electrical current from the on/off switch sends power to the magnetic coil, it causes the outboard clutch to pull in toward the compressor, locking up the pulley and engaging the compressor.

When to replace the clutch on an AC compressor?

If there is power to the clutch, but the clutch will not engage, the clutch or compressor must be replaced. However, if there is no power to the clutch, yet the clutch will not disengage, the clutch or compressor will be replaced as well.

Why do I need to replace my AC clutch pulley?

The primary reason to replace an entire A/C compressor and clutch assembly is for better long-term reliability. The AC clutch pulley might be what needs replacement, but it’s likely to have done some damage to the compressor on its way out.

What happens to the clutch when the AC is turned on?

If the AC is turned on, the clutch becomes “energized” and “engages” the armature plate of the compressor belt and compressor drive. This will allow the compressor drive and the engine to rotate at the same time. Hence, the AC starts working.

How does a de-energized clutch work on an AC compressor?

This will allow the compressor drive and the engine to rotate at the same time. Hence, the AC starts working. On the other hand, a “de-energized” clutch will “disengage” the compressor drive and the belt pulley. This will stop the AC compressor.

Is the clutch on my AC compressor working?

There is some oil residue on the pulley face, but the surfaces appear to be OK. The clutch release springs (blue arrows) also appear to be in working order. Testing the resistance of the coil assemblies indicate that they are within specs.

Is it better to replace the clutch and drier at the same time?

Replacing your A/C compressor, clutch and drier all at once ensures better reliability, protects your warranty and means lower long-term repair costs. If you’re still not sure what exactly your vehicle needs, contact BuyAutoParts for help in getting the correct replacement compressor, drier or full A/C repair kit for your vehicle.

How do you know if your AC clutch is bad?

Listen for any internal buzzing or clicking from the clutch. If the clutch fails to engage and spin, but you hear electrical buzzing or clicks inside, it indicates an internal clutch short. Listen for excessive bearing noise coming from the clutch or compressor.

Why does my AC clutch not engage?

Why AC clutch won’t engage. If the clutch doesn’t engage, the problem could be a blown fuse, an open in the wire to the clutch coil, a bad clutch coil, a poor ground, or a low pressure lockout. AC compressor clutches receive power in a number of ways.

What is a clutch compressor?

Compressor clutches are components that can be found the air conditioning (A/C) systems of cars, trucks, and other automobiles. These devices are a form of electromagnetic, or electro-mechanical, clutches, which means that they are operated by electricity but facilitate the mechanical transfer of torque.

What is an air conditioning clutch?

The air conditioner clutch is a component within the compressor, the main element in your vehicle’s air conditioning system. The compressor uses an electromagnetic clutch which engages or disengages its pulley.