Has anyone found a solution to their AC clutch wearing out/not working?

I've reshimmed it several times, with the last time removing the shim completely being the only way to get my AC to work again.

It has once again stopped working and I'm wondering if anyone has yet found a solution other than replace the entire compressor with one from the dealer.

I did see this aftermarket compressor on ebay, anyone try this yet?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/231347328713?lpid=82&chn=ps
Other thoughts are buying a used compressor or just clutch from someone who removed their AC or possibly getting lucky finding one at a junk yard.

Quite frustrating you can't just buy the clutch separate.

 

If you have to keep removing shims, it means the magnet is too weak to clamp the clutch down be it due to windings issue or the plate being worn out. You are only masking the problem removing shims if you have to do it more than once.

You can buy the clutch and all individual components of it separate, just not aftermarket. That is because the compressor design varies in the aftermarket application and they do not overlap.
It makes more sense for most people to just get an aftermarket complete compressor at that point anyway. Clutch magnets are around $100, and a complete clutch is around $250 usually (haven't checked either in a while), and an aftermarket compressor with clutch is usually under $200. This also eliminates the possibility of putting money into the clutch on a compressor that might not be the perfect example of good health. Further, if the compressor has been replaced in the past with an aftermarket, a clutch may not even be an option anyway and you would have no way of knowing until you took it apart and found it didn't fit.

 

Thanks for the input, very helpful explanation.

I know it's the factory compressor as I've been the only owner, but your explanation makes me want to lean towards a new compressor.

Anyone know if the compressor I linked looks right or have a link to a known working replacement compressor for a reasonable price? Trying to avoid the $600 ish I've seen for an oem replacement

 

No problem... when you are talking about 10+ year old cars, it makes sense to just change it out entirely. Especially at $150, less than just the clutch kit anyway; it would suck to spend $250 and end up with low pressure 3 months from now (and then you pretty much have to get an aftermarket, as the factory pumps are $600-900 typically, F that).

The linked one looks right... just count the grooves when you get it and make sure it matches. Evos have six groove pulleys, regular Lancer 5 groove... otherwise they are the same, so it is easy to get the wrong one by accident. I've twice had Lancer compressors shipped when I ordered Evo ones because of that, and as mentioned before due to differences in construction you can't often swap your pulley over either. Also just an FYI... Comfort Auto are good folks on ebay.

 

it was stupid hot today glad i fixed my ac on sunday