Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

davey6693 on Mon May 26, 2014 10:17 PM

Year: 2006
Make: Mazda
Model: 3
Engine Size: 2.3
Refrigerant Type: 134a
Ambient Temp: 78
Pressure Low: 26
Pressure High: 260
Country of Origin: Canada

My a/c seems to be going through the motions of a clutch gap issue lately. I was able to test from a reasonably cold start for 5 minutes and get cold air with reasonable pressures. When things go south usually when the engine gets warm, and it's worse the longer you drive it, the clutch intermittently engages, sometimes with 2 to 3 minutes of downtime before catching again, and if you get out and take a look you can either see partial engagement with slipping, or none. When working, it's great.

I need to properly measure the clutch gap, and will do this. The question is if I find it is too large, has anyone performed an adjustment to this vehicle, and if so could you let me know what tools/procedures were involved?

Thanks for any assistance.

Cussboy on Mon May 26, 2014 11:02 PM

First make sure that the big nut is tight. And make sure there's no oil on the clutch surface.

davey6693 on Thu May 29, 2014 6:22 PM

Thanks for the tip. Looks like there is no clutch pulling tool needed, just a bolt. Will update with any findings if they're interesting.

davey6693 on Sun June 01, 2014 4:25 PM

Had a look today. I think it's a combo of some worn clutch material leading to a larger air gap, plus some dirt in there. I'd replace the clutch if I was keeping the car beyond next year, but I settled for cleaning it up and removing a thin spacer. It engages and disengages smoothly, so would appear that I'm good to go.

Cussboy on Mon June 02, 2014 3:20 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: davey6693
Had a look today. I think it's a combo of some worn clutch material leading to a larger air gap, plus some dirt in there. I'd replace the clutch if I was keeping the car beyond next year, but I settled for cleaning it up and removing a thin spacer. It engages and disengages smoothly, so would appear that I'm good to go.

Good.