AC compressor clutch removal

I have a wobbly AC pulley I'd like to replace. I already have the new clutch assembly that includes it.

Once the belt is loose, the first steps are to remove the front bolt, then remove the pressure plate, which is supposed to come off easily with a discontinued special bolt 0711266040 in step 'b', which I believe is a larger bolt that threads into the pressure plate to pull it off. Has anyone found a bolt usable for this, or another way to reliably and gently remove the pressure plate?

I also plan on getting a $20 AC clutch holder tool on Amazon.

 

I did this on my truck many years ago without removing the compressor. It was not fun by any means, but I don't remember having to use any type of special bolt. I may have just put a 3 jaw puller on it.

 

I have the same problem with my AC compressor on my 3.4L.

Did you end up pulling the compressor or doing it on the engine? If on the engine, any details appreciated.

 

You might find this thread helpful.
Don’t forget to put the shim back in.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/replacing-a-c-pulley.366924/

 

I'm ready but have been putting it off. The FSM describes doing on the engine. The UAC 1930C aftermarket clutch assembly I bought is like the whole assembly ready to go as 3 big parts and all the little pieces, so it might be pretty low stress. So far I haven't read about anyone having a terrible time trying to tap off the pressure plate with regular tools. In writing this I'm trying to motivate myself.

 

I have to motivate myself for weeks some times….
I know the feeling

 

Try years I have you all beat.

 

Can you tell, if I wait long enough, will someone come around and finally do it for me?

 

Of all the things I've done on the taco, this was top of the list for worst. Oh man, next time i'd just pull everything off to be honest. It was a major pain in the arse.

 

I replaced the AC compressor clutch bearing on my 3rz. There is enough slack in the AC lines and enough room between the motor and wheel well to unbolt the compressor and lift to where it’s almost even with the top of the radiator with the snap ring facing you. I discovered this little factoid after f*ing with the snap ring for 2 hours with the compressor still bolted on. I could not get the snap ring out with my snap ring pliers or ones I borrowed from neighbors. Once the compressor was where I could see what I was doing the snap ring came out with a pick and tiny screwdriver. The clutch just popped right off after that.

edit: I took the bolt out before I removed the AC belt. One whack with the heel of my hand on the end of a breaker bar and it came loose.

 

To many projects going on at the same time.

 

I went cheap for now since my clutch was still working, just replaced the bad bearing. I haven't reassembled mine yet, but I have the bearing I needed in place and am ready to re-assemble, so I thought I'd post.

I ended up taking the fan and shroud out, but not the radiator. I didn't loosen any of the compressor bolts. I used a rubber strap oil filter wrench and a 3 jaw puller to get all the clutch and pulley off.





What snap ring? I just decided not to fight it and believe it or not it popped out undamaged when the pulley came off.

I know, that lower jaw needs repositioning to get off the pulley grooves.


Used an 1 1/2 socket to put the frozen, new bearing (Nachi 30BG5222UUs: Amazon $32) in place. It's not really pressed in place so much as held by some peen marks on the opposite side.

 

Update - AC compressor clutch replaced and tested as working! I did the job without detaching the compressor at all.

UAC brand clutch

$88 Universal Air Conditioner CL 1930C A/C Compressor Clutch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SLK5P0Q/

clutch holder tool to get center nut out

$29 Powerbuilt AC Clutch Holding Tool, Service Car Air Conditioner Clutch, Adjustable Pin, Non-Slip Grip Handle, Vehicle Repair - 648980

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KEFCPU

The cheap brands of snap ring pliers only have 1" jaw width, not quite enough for the snap rings (or so it seemed anyway). I bought larger Titan ones and had to sawzall an inch off the handles to get room to poke straight in. Terrible visibility.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/titan/titan-snap-ring-pliers/ttn0/18400

The stator I had to leave in because even with a mirror and camera I couldn't find how the ground wire was attached. My factory stator is working. My goal was to at least replace the pulley because of bad bearings. The pulley came off the stator easily with a 3 jaw puller.

Blasted everything and other pulleys with brake cleaner, wiped down, got the right clutch clearance using the spacers, replaced all 3 drive belts, and everything fit together no problem. Drove, rechecked belt tension. It runs quieter! Turns out an idiot mechanic had put an 870mm belt on my AC pulley instead of the 875mm as spec.

I'll post my new stator for free if someone local wants it.

 

Nice pix and explanation wsidr1 and JustA
Appreciate y’all!

 

I plan on changing out the clutch assembly because my AC fuse blows which seems to point towards the clutch and not the compressor according to a few people who diagnosed my issue. Do you think the stator is a mandatory part to be swapped in my case since I'm having an electrical issue? Hoping I can find where it grounds on mine when I take everything apart.

 

I'm not familiar with that problem, but I would think it's a really good idea to replace the stator. Maybe worth a shot, and if it isn't happening, pull the whole AC compressor and have a shop refill the system later.

 

Do you know the specs of the bolt that holds the AC clutch plate on (size, length and thread pitch)?
My AC suddenly stopped working two weeks ago. Finally got around to diagnosing and found the AC clutch plate stuck in my skid plate, shims still in place, bolt long gone.
This is a 2004 Tacoma with 3RZ. I had the head replaced by a shop a few years ago, and my best guess is this was an item they didn't torque properly on reinstall and it finally back off. The rest of the pulley is still on and spinning fine without noise.
Was hoping to get a hardware store bolt though I know dealership is an option but shipping always makes these things cost a fortune.