Can you just replace the clutch on the AC compressor or do you have to replace the whole thing?
My car has 124000 miles.
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The conversation usually concerns whether to repair the system by replacing the compressor or the entire AC unit. A new central AC system costs between $3,250 and $12,586, whereas it costs $2,500–$3,000 to replace your compressor.
If the Freon levels are too low, the clutch will fail to engage which means there`s not enough refrigerant for the compressor to pressurize. In other words, your air conditioning system has nothing to work with!
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No, generally the AC clutch spins with the AC compressor. As you may know the AC Clutch is the pulley that spins with the Belt. There are two ports on the rear of the Compressor. One is a Suction Port and the other is the Discharge Port. The Suction port is going to be your larger port and the Discharge port is going to be the smaller port. Refrigerant is sucked into the Suction port, compressed and then it exits out the Discharge Port, then entering the A/C Condenser. Your vehicle’s AC Clutch consists of the Hub, the Pulley, and the coil. The front part of the A/C Clutch is the Hub. Next is the pulley, which is where the belt rides. Finally, under the pulley is the coil, also called a field coil. The Coil is a copper would wire, that functions like a magnetic coil. If the AC Compressor is powered up, electricity engages the coil, and when this happens, it also engages the pulley. The large magnet forces the hub to pull against the pulley. Since the Shaft of the AC Compressor is mated with the A/C Hub, once engaged, it begins to pump refrigerant in the system. Turning whenever the engine is cranked, the A/C Compressor Clutch Pulley will spin even if the AC Compressor is off. If the A/C System is turned on, power is sent to your A/C Compressor Clutch and it will then engage. However, if the pressure in the system (or the refrigerant level) is either too low or high, switches will kill power to the Compressor to keep from damaging it. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.
This issue is sometimes associated with having an AC compressor failure, however, it could also be an indication of mold developing inside your AC system. To be certain, you should have a professional mechanic complete an AC system inspection first before you decide to replace the compressor or other components.