AC compressor clutch replacement recommendations

After replacing all the idler pulleys and belt, I still have a ticking sound coming from the AC compressor. Seems like it's the bearing making the sound. I am going to try replacing the AC clutch as I have seen others do. I am looking for recommendations on brands and best place to purchase? When I search the web, I get Amazon and ebay results. Are these really the only option? I have hesitations buying from amazon and ebay but maybe I can get some reassurance.

 

If buying on Ebay check the feedback from the seller, I bought mine on Ebay a couple years ago and it worked out fine

 

Toyota part number: Genuine Toyota A/C Compressor Clutch 88410-04062

I'm doing this right now. The bitch of it is getting the snap clips off as you have to work basically blind as it's hard to see when laying on the ground. The second clip, the one holding the magnet, is deep. I'm going to try to find a 90 degree angled-plier set to hopefully reach it. Use PB Blaster on the clips to free them up as well. Probably need to do that on the pulley to get it to wiggle off.

 

So Toyota sells the clutch replacement by it's self? Cool. Based on some older postings I was under the impression that they didn't sell it separate. I'll definitely use that then. Let me know if those 90s are the ticket to removing that second snap ring.

 

Yes, you can find these on eBay. I'm having a helluva time getting that damn snap ring on the magnetic piece back on. It was a bitch getting off and is even more of a bitch trying to get back on. I tried for hours today to no avail. I ordered a pair of the long nose snap ring pliers with hopes they work better than the pliers I currently have. I can't seem to get the clip to open wide enough to get back into the groove.

Just a heads up for you on that!

 

Tried again all day today to get that damn clip on to no avail! Those 90s can't get here soon enough! Fingers are crossed!

 

Did you complete the install?

 

Guys, after trying for three friggin days to get the goddamn clip ring on the magnetic clutch, I gave up! I'm going to have the Taco towed to the dealer tomorrow and just pay the $1,200 for the new compressor. Everything is apart so they'll need to push it wherever it needs to go. The techs should love that! I was hoping to at least be able to get it back together with the pulley on so I could drive it but no matter how hard I tried to get that clip on, it would not go in place! The magnet as well as the compressor shaft is so chewed up from my trying to get the clip on that I'm not even sure it would have worked anyway.

I bought numerous kinds of the clip pliers to try and nothing worked. You can't see what you're doing anyway so it was all by feel and hoping that I heard the clip snap in place. No luck! I tried screwdrivers, awls, anything I thought would work and nothing did. The friggin clip went on pretty good when the magnetic was removed but I couldn't get anywhere with it on. There's just no room to see what you're doing or to move around. I didn't want to tear the whole front end off so it's going to the dealer! This is probably why Toyota has their techs change out the whole compressor instead of dicking around with the clutch.

For those of you who accomplished this task, a salute to you all! You're either some lucky SOB's or have the patience of Mercy Hospital!

If anyone wants this clutch setup I have, let me know. Like I said, the magnetic part is a bit scratched but I don't think it'll do any harm if you can get the clip on. I paid $120. You can have it for $60. The pulley and clutch plate are perfect. Can send photos if you want.

 

Don't know if you finished this up. I got one from
BAM Wholesale Parts

How difficult is it to remove the clutch from the compressor?

Mine is the 2.7 L 4cyl so the compressor is accessible

 

It wasn't very difficult. Just make sure you have a couple different snap ring pliers for options. I ended up getting the second snap ring out with a straight pair but I had to contortion my hand around the radiator fan. The complete process took about 45 mins. I'm not sure why the other guy was having such a difficult time. Unfortunately for me, it didn't solve the clicking sound I was chasing. I've replaced all the pulleys, the bearing on the belt tensioner and the ac clutch. It must be the whole belt tensioner that's causing the issue. The sound improves when I hit it with wd40. It must be all gunked up with debris from offroading.

 

I am having a similar issue. Sounds like a bearing noise at some times and then other times it’s a random terrible clicking. It gets worse when you put the engine umder load like in drive or reverse. One time it was doing the noise on and off when the ac compressor cycled so I figured the clutch bearing but spun it by hand and it’s smooth as hell. I’m lost…

 

Yeah, sounds similar to my issue. It does it under load when the ac is on. It also seems to make the noise when I come off the gas at slow speeds turning. I have no idea. I'm a little frustrated at this point. I thought it was forsure going to be the bearing in the ac pulley. The ac blows slightly cooler now but not enough of a difference to justify the $130. I'm thinking it has to be the tensioner. It's the last thing. Let me know if you make any headway on the issue.

 

I pulled the belt off today and checked the bearings on everything... It seems OK even the AC clutch.

I would note when struggling to get the belt on there seems to be movement on the tensioner arm. If this was moving when the compressor was loading it could make the noise I'm hearing

I'd also say I hear the noise on start and it gradually goes away. It is getting progressively worse too.

But interestingly the noise wasn't there when I started it after removing the belt and several subsequent starts

 

I ordered the tensioner all the idler pulleys and a new belt. My belt is a sonofabitch to get on as the belt seems to me to be a smidgen too short

I have to crank the tensioner all the way over and the belt barely slips on over the alternator pulley

Yes it barely slipped off and it is on correctly now

These are the parts I ordered from various places:
Continental Part Number: 49443 tensioner $135.77 grand total from autozone
Continental Part Number: 4070900 Serpentine Belt $25.38 Amazon
Continental Part Number: 49127 Upper Idler Pulley 2 each $46.90 free prime shipping amazon

 

In conclusion, I replaced the AC compressor clutch (not very difficult ~30mins), but the noise is still present. It's definitely the belt tensioner. It seems that dirt and debris collect around the tensioner and cause it to creak. When I hit it with air and WD40 it clears it up. The sound eventually comes back, especially after a weekend driving in the dirt. I use a long hosed WD40 sprayer for better precision, in an attempt to avoid the other belt components, but it's a pretty blind spray so who knows where it's going. Hopefully it's not getting into places it shouldn't be :/ The tension on the belt feels good so a replacement doesn't seem necessary other than to get rid of the annoying creaking sound. I am concerned that the sound may very well return with a replacement after the dust and elements start to accumulate again. Has anyone else experienced this or replaced the tensioner? Curious to how it looks. I have 140k miles on mine and it started at around 120k.

 

Hello, I am having the same issues as well. Swapped all 3 idler pulleys and pressed in a new bearing on the tensioner pulley a few weeks ago. Thought I fixed the issue, but then it started again. Just ordered the AC clutch assembly and was going to swap that out.

After reading this I’m wondering if it’s worth it? The tensioner seemed to have decent tension and no signs of sloppiness.

@Garcoma did you resolve this?

 

did my pulleys. Probably gonna do my compressor, radiator, condenser.
Did the water pump.
Still need to do serp tensioner assembly it was too much of a PITA than what I bargained for at the time so I put it back in the box.

did P/S pump.
I think that’s it. I don’t see the point of a clutch instead of whole compressor at this age and miles.

 

What tools are needed and how hard was it to do

 

Mine is mating a growling noise I’m guessing that is what it is and do you know of any videos