But you are. I know how it works, for the most part, but was quick in my response. So far so good. I've only used the A/C a few times but I haven't had any issues. Fingers crossed!

 

I got the 14mm locknut off, but i cannot get the clutch free. That sucker is stuck on there good. Is there a trick to breaking it free?

 

Lol, yup, and you're going to feel silly when you hear this...

Disconnect the battery, it's a magnet, remember?!

 

UGH.. Completely forgot. Trying to do it in 100 degree garage. Frustrating.

Thanks!!!

 

You aren't alone, for I did the same and even started to beat on it, until I read a forum post and felt like the amatuer I am.

Man, I feel for you in the heat...I was so exited to finish my turbo build last August that I was throwing myself on my back, out on the asphalt in 102° weather! This gay neighbor across the street approached me and asked, "Do you know how hot it is...do you have any water?" I showed him my warm water bottle and he took it into his house and filled it with ice cold water...

 

My clutch just popped right off after removing the 14 mm nut. I did not have to disconnect the battery. Weird.

 

ok. Battery disconnected. That thing really does not want to come off. its like the spines are corroded and stuck together. Might have to get something to break it free. I feel as though i have damaged it in my attempts at gettting it off. So it might need replacing... but only if i can get the dang thing off the car.

*** i am going to blast it with some PB penetrating stuff tonight and try it again in the morning. If that fails, then i will probalby be taking it in to have the whole thing replaced... This sucks!

 

Just to make sure we're on the same page...you removed this 14mm nut and the clutch plate with the three round fixtures on it is stuck, correct?

 

The nut comes off, but the plate is stuck. I am now looking at replacing the whole compressor and clutch. I got a quote on the labor at just under 700. This includes flush (or drying)of system and new refrigerant I will need to provide the parts (the place told me its cheaper for me to provide them than buying from them... guy that works there is evo owner as well)

 

are we able to replace just the clutch part? seems like it is a wear item and could use replacing after the shims stop working
if so part numbers please

 

if its stuck
PB BLASTER
mine came off and i didn't have to remove the battery terminal

 

It's not the clutch plate or the shims that wear out, but the magnetic "coil," MR958863 - Coil, AC Compressor, and yes, it is replaceable. Double check that this is the correct PN for your car. The shims provide the correct distance between the magnet (coil) and the metal plate (clutch) so that when the coil is charged, the clutch attaches to it and spins. Too little gap and the clutch plate would bind against the coil and spin continuously...too much gap and the clutch plate would fail to engage.

 

That's what's in my FSM too. But, I have a new clutch and if you lay a straight edge on the working surface of either the armature or pulley you find they are machined flat. Energizing the coil, assuming the coil works, would bring these two completely flat surfaces against each other. In other words, there is no way for the gap measurement to be anything but zero. Later editions of the FSM leave out the clutch energizing procedure and it is still the same clutch.

If there was a 0.012 to 0.020 gap between two flat surfaces with the coil energized you would have no A/C.

I'm at the point of pulling the old pulley and it seems pretty stuck on. Any advice or tricks for getting this off?

(Edit) Nevermind - I got it off and it took very little persuasion. I wish I could use the new coil from the kit but the connectors didn't survive shipping. I was looking at the selection of shims included but instead decided to use the old shim and it produced 0.012 clearance so golden. The A/C appears to be fixed.

 

Just was told by the dealer I basically need a whole new AC system to the tune of just about $3k. Was hoping it would be an easy fix like the shim but apparently not. I'm still not convinced that it needs replacing as it still sort of works.

 

The only time an A/C system needs complete replacement is when the compressor has turned into aluminum jello and spread metal particles throughout the system.