removing outer clutch "plate"

pippo on Tue May 29, 2012 7:53 PM

Year: 1997
Make: saturn
Model: sl1
Engine Size: 1.9l

People,

Have a compressor on a 1997 saturn, and outer clutch plate has plastic face, but in the center there seeems to be a threaded hole, wherst one would screw in the proper size bolt (10mm??), and yank. is that how its done? otherwise, should I insert a stout putty knife and pry out? Seems like one could damage magnetic surface that way, right?

Thanks

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beware of the arrival

GM Tech on Tue May 29, 2012 10:30 PM

I'd guess from here that your clutch bolt is missing that goes in that threaded hole, that secures the clutch to the compressor- the clutch itself is a slip fit over a spline- so to pull it off you need to gently wiggle it side to side until it slips off... Why do you want to take it off?

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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......

pippo on Wed May 30, 2012 8:53 AM

Big thanks, GM! Great to know that! QWell, I want to pull it off cuz thats all Il be needing to fix a compressor currently on a saturn that had the plastic faceing shear off, believe t or not. hate to have to evacuate, etc etc etc just for the plate, right?

But the little bolt that goes into the center of the clutch plate was there- its just that when removed, it exposes another larger female thread in center, which I assume is for the "puller" bolt to screw onto. I will try to find the proper bolt for that, then wiggle it from side to side like you said.
Thanks, Man!

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beware of the arrival

pippo on Thu May 31, 2012 8:03 AM

Put in a 100 X1.25 pitch bolt, and trying to pry it left/right. Nothing. Then, tried to pound it outward to try to "pull" it off. Nothing.

Thinking to get a LONGER bolt, so I can have a longer distance for the "pulling" distance. This will allow for more impact outward. Am I going in the right direction? I DO want to pull off ONLY the outer plate, NOT the clutch itself......

Thanks

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beware of the arrival

GM Tech on Thu May 31, 2012 9:12 AM

Pictures please-- the outer plate is the clutch! usually....

-------------------------
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......

pippo on Thu May 31, 2012 2:53 PM

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beware of the arrival

pippo on Thu May 31, 2012 2:55 PM

yikes!! OK, I will try to post a picture. The outer plate HAS to pop of seperately. Saw it online- hmmmmm, maybe I can send you that picture (?)........

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beware of the arrival