Community Forums

gnrenfeld · 03-19-2013, 05:22 AM

I have now had my 3rd failure of the Airconditioning clutch bearing in 27,000 miles. The first was 9,000 then at 16,000 and the last one at 22,000 miles. Not a easy task since this unit is a rear radiator. I discussed the issue with the last Mechanics and showed them the failure of the 2 precious and indicated there must be something wrong with the housing on the Airconditioner Compressor and the warranty people went along with them to replace it. I Can find no one else on the net with this problem and just wondering if any else may have experienced this issue. Only have 1,200 miles on last repair.

Thanking You
GNR

MartinP · 03-21-2013, 07:37 AM

Just a thought, have you check the belt tension or belt alignment. It seems rather strange that you have had three failures. Something must be loading up the bearing unless you have just had bad luck with qaulity of the replacemant clutch bearing.

Martin

RVThere · 03-21-2013, 08:33 AM

GNR,

We had our AC compressor fail in Casper, WY back in 2011. We have 2007 Tour with a 2006 chassis and the 400 HP ISL.

Not sure if it was the clutch bearings or what failed. But it froze and snapped the serpentine belt. Drove from WY to NJ with a bypass belt and got it fixed locally. They replaced the whole compressor.

We now carry a spare bypass belt along with a spare full sized belt.

lx22 · 03-21-2013, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinP

Just a thought, have you check the belt tension or belt alignment. It seems rather strange that you have had three failures. Something must be loading up the bearing unless you have just had bad luck with qaulity of the replacemant clutch bearing.

Martin

X2 sounds like the tensioner is not working properly.

gnrenfeld · 03-23-2013, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by MartinP

Just a thought, have you check the belt tension or belt alignment. It seems rather strange that you have had three failures. Something must be loading up the bearing unless you have just had bad luck with qaulity of the replacemant clutch bearing.

Martin

Thank You All. Guess I should have commented the first 2 times was a cummins shop. The first was thought to be a odd situation and the second time they said they did check alignment and the tension with no problems noted. Anyway the third time they said they could find no reason and indicated they would have to suspect the mounting feature of the compressor therefore replaced it. interesting to note that RVthere had the same vehicle as we do and was wondering when there's failed???

gnrenfeld · 03-24-2013, 06:48 AM

Just to pass on a note I recieved from another individual with a workhorse chassis and he indicated after 3 failures they replaced the compressor as well and solved his problem. Anyway he sent this article which may apply.

Also be aware that a clutch failure for any reason can damage the
compressor shaft seal, nose, and bearing, and this damage may not be
immediately visible. The heat generated by a clutch failure can distort the nose
on any aluminum compressor, which will cause the replacement clutch assembly
to fail. In these cases, the entire compressor/clutch assembly should be

replaced, along with complete system repair.