Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

b4black on Thu August 29, 2013 5:20 PM

Year: 1998
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Malibu
Engine Size: 3100 V6
Country of Origin: United States

My AC compressor starting making noise which I believe is too small of a clutch gap problem. It works fine, but makes a spinning metallic noise when disengaged. When the clutch engages, the noise goes away. I can see that the gap is too small and the hub is rubbing the clutch.

On some compressors, there are shims, but from what I have read, the GM compressor hubs are press fit. Can I just rent the hub puller and pull the hub out slightly? Can this be done on the car (assuming I have room to fit the tool)? Can I loosen up the hub nut by engaging the clutch with engine off, or do I need the special tool to hold the hub?


Thanks!
Rich

Chick on Thu August 29, 2013 6:16 PM

V5 clutch drag is a common problem, you need to borrow the clutch removal tool from a place like Autozone, and just back it off until it no longer drags...hope this helps..

BTW no need to remove/loosen the nut to adjust the clutch...It's not holding the press fit hub on, later compressors don't even have the nut...

The pics I posted below are not the same clutch hub as yours, but it is a GM compressor.. Your's has the three springs that cause the shavings to get caught in them.. Be sure to clean the clutch hub when you're done adjusting it...

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

Edited: Thu August 29, 2013 at 6:42 PM by Chick

Chick on Thu August 29, 2013 6:33 PM

Here are a couple pics I found.. Be sure to clean the threads on the clutch hub so as not to damage the threads.. Screw the tool in, and then screw the small nut to push against the shaft.. Only pull it out a little, to much and you'll need the installer tool, in which case you will need to remove the nut.. 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 Thu August 29, 2013 10:52 PM

from my stash of photos - here is the metal fragments clinging to the drive plate



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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......

b4black on Fri August 30, 2013 5:21 AM

Excellent - just the news I was hoping for. The pictures are great. Thanks!!

Edited: Fri August 30, 2013 at 5:22 AM by b4black

WyrTwister on Thu September 05, 2013 2:57 PM

We have a 1996 Chevy Lumina 4 door sedan with the 3.1 l engine . It has the V-5 compressor . Your car may very well have a V-5 , also ?

I replaced the shaft seal on my V-5 , meaning I had the clutch off & latter , back on .

I " borrowed " the clutch tool from a local Advance Auto Parts . Put up a deposit = to the purchase price .

Some one please correct me if I am wrong , but I think the clutch gap ended up at .030" . Does that sound correct . You can check gap with a plain old feeler gauge .

Our Lumina , I jacked up the R F of the car , removed the wheel / tire . Removed the plastic wheel well / fender liner and gained access to the compressor clutch . W/o unbolting the compressor from the engine . I did , first , remove the belt .

Your car may or may not be made that way ?

God bless
Wyr