A/C comp. clutch

[speed racer]

On my 04 W22 chassis the a/c clutch went bad. It has a Delphi 15-67135 compressor that no one including Delphi can find for cross ref. The one on Omey's web site looks like it would fit but I didn;t want to take a chance and have to return it. Alot of research lator I found an AC# 15-40048 clutch that can be perchased at any local parts store and they may hve it in stock that fit this compressor. It looks a little diferant but I beleive the original was a poor design. I changed it without having to open the system or lose freon charge.

I hope this helps somone.

[BFlinn181]

I'd take the clutch/pulley mechanism to a local parts store. You need to match up the shaft and keyway size, the pulley diameter, and the alignment of the belt in the groove. If the replacement fits the requirements, problem solved. You could also go to a salvage yard, electric A/C clutches don't often fail before a vehicle is junked.

[edgray]

Speed racer:
I had always been told the clutch wasn't "easy" to replace, required special tools to set the air gap, bla bla bla and that is why most shops just replace the entire compressor. Can you offer your perspective and share some cost savings by doing this repair as opposed to the replacement normally done? Thanks. Ed

[speed racer]

Originally Posted by edgray

Speed racer:
I had always been told the clutch wasn't "easy" to replace, required special tools to set the air gap, bla bla bla and that is why most shops just replace the entire compressor. Can you offer your perspective and share some cost savings by doing this repair as opposed to the replacement normally done? Thanks. Ed

It does take some knowledge of the procedure and because of where it is also adds th the difficulty. I borrowed the tool kit from the local Advance auto parts store. If there is a nut on the end of the shaft remove it(mine had none ). one of the tools pulls the clutch off. On mine I replace the pully also and to do that there is a snap ring that has to be remove and the pully can be removed. It's a tight fit but it can br done with two small pry bars or screw drivers. After replacing the pully and snap ring you have to align the keyway and start the clutch on. Do not hammer on this just start it by hand. The kit has another tool to press it back on. Be careful when it gets close the clearace should be set around 15-20 thousances .
PS On mine I diconnected the wires an unbolted the compressor so I could move it back and have more room to work. The parts cost was 99$ and the tool use was free.

[edgray]

THANKS!

[DD788Snipe]

IMHO I would change the whole compressor. It's easier and will cost almost the same. I had the same problem on the 2005 W20 chassis I used to own. That was the easiest way to go.

[Dtwallace]

Originally Posted by DD788Snipe

IMHO I would change the whole compressor. It's easier and will cost almost the same. I had the same problem on the 2005 W20 chassis I used to own. That was the easiest way to go.

Most A/C shops will tell you it's more cost effective to replace the compressor but in reality they will make it cost you more in labor, not parts, because they don't want to put in the effort to change out the clutch.

Having the ability to do this change out yourself is a huge money saver for you the owner.

There are not many compressors out there that a clutch replacement can't be performed on. A customer with a bad compressor clutch is a cash cow to an A/C shop. They keep your old compressor, rebuild and sell it outright to to the next cash cow. (moooo)



DTW

[speed racer]

Originally Posted by DD788Snipe

IMHO I would change the whole compressor. It's easier and will cost almost the same. I had the same problem on the 2005 W20 chassis I used to own. That was the easiest way to go.

The easiest way to do anything is to have somone else do it but it's buy far no the cheapest. As far as cost a rebuilt comp. cost almost $200 + freon + comp. oil. and the biggest plus is labor.