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Can't replace A/C clutch on 03' Pontiac?

42Degrees on Thu May 27, 2010 8:42 PM User is offline

Year: 2003
Make: Pontiac
Model: Bonneville
Engine Size: 3.8L K
Refrigerant Type: OEM
Ambient Temp: 80
Pressure Low: n/a
Pressure High: n/a
Country of Origin: Zimbabwe

My parents have developed an issue with their compressor clutch. I do not have the pullers to attempt the job myself so I suggested they just take it to a local mechanic for simplicity. I checked on Autozone's website and they list a compressor clutch for about $95.00 and my All Data shows .9 labor time, so i figured maybe $200 bucks or so. They just called after checking into 2 different shops and both quoted them over $650 to replace the compressor and install a new clutch. My parents claim the shops told them that you cannot replace just the clutch. I am quite familiar with working on GM cars, but I have never replaced an A/C clutch.

Can anyone tell me if there would be any reason why I could not purchase the clutch kit from Autozone, a puller tool, and do this myself? Hell I can replace the whole compressor for less than $300 (includes the clutch), but it makes me wonder why these 2 shops are telling them the clutch cannot be serviced when All Data says it can.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Ryan

GM Tech on Thu May 27, 2010 10:51 PM User is offline

So what is the issue? Noisy dragging sound with a/c off? If so - you can regap that puppy by borrowing tool from Autozone.

Or is pulley bearing bad? If so you can buy the clutch kit, pulley, clutch and coil at any a/c source-- Heck I have half a dozen laying on my bench- no need to replace entire compressor-- Stealersips always take the easy way out- don't want to fix what is broke, replace the entire unit is their philosophy....

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

HVargas on Fri May 28, 2010 4:36 PM User is offlineView users profile

I agree with GM Tech. If just the clutch is going bad it can be easily replaced. We offer a new one for $106.20. Some shops say they cannot be replaced because they either: A) Don't know how to replace it or don't have the tools.
B) One you get the labor for pulling the compressor, changing the clutch and reinstalling it, the price comes out to be the same as just replacing the whole unit.

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When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: Arizona Mobile Air

Chick on Fri May 28, 2010 10:57 PM User is offlineView users profile

On "some" cars you can replace the clutch assembly on the car, GM Tech will know if yours is one of them, thru the wheel house opening..You can rent/borrow the tools from Autozone.. Ackits.com has "QUALITY" clutch units, and well worth the few extra bucks.. you can e-mail them at Ackits.com Attention Adam and refer to this post.. Hope this helps..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

GM Tech on Fri May 28, 2010 11:16 PM User is offline

You should be able to access clutch from wheel well.....

-------------------------
The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

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