13667

It appears that my AC compressor clutch and pulley assembly crapped out today. It started making a grinding noise with the AC off. When I checked under the hood the noise was coming from the compressor. I turned the AC on and the noise got louder. I got it home and pulled the serpentine belt off and then spun the pulley by hand and it sounds and feels like a bad bearing. The water pump, the alternator, the idlers, etc. all turn smoothly with no noise.

I thought about replacing the whole compressor. I looked on ALLDATA.com and saw the procedure to replace the clutch and realize I do not have the tools nor can I find a clutch local.

My question is this. Given that it appears to be the bearing associated with the clutch and pulley, is there reason for me to believe that this bearing failure would have caused any debris in the system? I believe the clutch and bearing can be replaced without evacuating the system, therefore I assume the system is not contaminated.

Also wondering how much oil I would add to the compressor if I leave the system oil in place?

Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks.
__________________
2000 Cherokee Sport 4.0, Automatic, 4 X 4, 4 Door

I'm beginning to understand... "It's a Jeep Thing"

e30

The compressor is basically the same price as the bearing man its not worth it ...I was in the same situation ...just replace the whole compressor ...its easy and then grab an auto zone recharge kit and you will be good

JeepingDan

Please don't double post the same thread..
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/200...-clutch-65598/
1oz pag oil should be good.

13667

Thanks for the info on oil quantity, etc. I could not find a clutch so I went for the compressor and I'm going to change the accumulator since it's not that expensive and the system will be open.

@ JeepingDan - when I looked for the original post this morning I could not find it and it did not show on my user cp so I thought I may not have submitted it properly. My bad.

djb383

Not sure what a '00 a/c holds but a '98 holds 8.2ozs PAG oil.

13667

e30 - when you replaced your compressor did you have to vacuum the system before charging or did you just use the Autozone kit and it took the refrigerant into the system? I installed the compressor today and changed the accumulator as well.