The clutch on my ac air compressor went out. I want to replace the whole air compressor. What would it costs?

How much is it to replace the a/c air compressor? The clutch is bad.

My car has 110000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. The AC compressor has several moving parts (including pistons and valves). These internal parts can fail, causing the AC compressor to stop working. It is common for the internal parts of the compressor to come apart and disperse metallic debris throughout the system. Consequently, it is a requirement to replace the orifice tube and the receiver dryer when replacing the compressor since some of the debris may have ended up there. To receive an estimate for this service, please click this link and then click the Get a Quote button. Once we receive your information we will provide an estimate for services. Thanks.

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The national cost for an ac compressor clutch replacement in 2023 is between $104 and $1347 with an average of $488.
Yes, you can technically replace the clutch without removing the compressor. The reason people suggest doing them together is that when one fails, the other usually isn`t too far behind it.
You will be fine as long as you don`t need or want AC in your car. Your AC pulley is a free spinning pulley that has a clutch on it. It will spin freely until you turn the air conditioning on. If the clutch doesn`t work properly, you will still be able to drive your car.
If the compressor is seized, the entire clutch assembly will be stationary and the belt will be slipping, squealing, smoking and, in a very short period of time, failing. Because of the need to recharge the system to replace the compressor, leave service to the pros.
The average cost of a new AC compressor is $800 to $2,800 for both parts and installation. * Compressors for smaller units, such as window or mini-split systems, start as low as $100. How much you pay depends on your compressor and home size, your HVAC system, and your warranty coverage.
It entails removing and disposing of any remaining refrigerant, disconnecting and removing the old compressor, installing the new one with proper fittings, and recharging with refrigerant. Add it all up and it typically takes four to six hours.
Yes, this is possible. However, unless it was the AC compressor clutch and pulley which failed, bypassing the AC pulley is unnecessary. Simply disconnect the wire to the AC compressor clutch and that should do the trick.
The air conditioning (A/C) electro-magnetic clutch mounts to the front of the air conditioning compressor and electrically engages and disengages according to commands from the A/C system.
Me: There are several reasons compressor clutches fail. They include, low available voltage, high resistance ground, liquids on clutch surfaces, air gap too wide, blocked or internally plugged condenser, cooling system problem, bad fan clutch, high side restriction, overcharged system and lack of lubrication.
No! The clutch in inside the “bell housing”, attached between the engine and gearbox. One cannot see the clutch, therefore one can`t “ spray WD40 “ on it! Anyway lubrication would cause it to slip.
Most AC clutches are designed to spin freely when disengaged, and also with the pulley and compressor when those are engaged. If the clutch spins freely at all times, and the compressor never comes on, then it may not be engaging and therefore needs to be replaced.
Listen For The A/C Clutch to Engage

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!

If your compressor is still under warranty, replace only the compressor. Assuming the compressor is no longer under warranty, we recommend replacing the outside unit if one or more of the circumstances also applies: Money is really short right now and you`re not sure it`ll be better anytime soon.
Screw compressors are among the most reliable and efficient around, but not cost-effective for smaller applications. Rotary compressors are the preferred option when operating noise is a factor. They are quiet, have a modest footprint, and do not suffer from vibration as much as other compressors.
It`s not a good idea to drive with a broken A/C compressor. While you can sometimes drive your vehicle with a broken A/C compressor without needing expensive repairs, it`s not wise. When these integral parts of your car`s air conditioning system break, that can cause greater damage to your engine and even your health.
In fact, most compressor warranties require that the dryer also be replaced if the AC system is worked on. As mentioned, the dryer contains desiccant, which functions to remove any moisture that may get trapped in the system.
Can A Broken AC Compressor Be Fixed? Absolutely! If you know what to look for, you may be able to head off the problem with your AC unit before the weather gets too hot.
With the AC off, the clutch does not spin. When you turn the AC on, the clutch can make a momentary click and starts spinning with the belt and pulley. If the clutch does not engage, or if it makes a screeching or whining sound when it does, the compressor needs to be serviced.
A Stuck Compressor Clutch

Although the average lifespan of a car AC compressor is between 10 and 12 years, the compressor clutch could fail earlier than that.

Me: There are several reasons compressor clutches fail. They include, low available voltage, high resistance ground, liquids on clutch surfaces, air gap too wide, blocked or internally plugged condenser, cooling system problem, bad fan clutch, high side restriction, overcharged system and lack of lubrication.
Recommended Services. Your car is not safe to drive since the air compressor is operated by the same drive belt as the remainder of the engine (serpentine belt). Because the AC compressor has seized, this could cause the belt to lock up other components resulting in major engine damage.
Recommended Services. Your car is not safe to drive since the air compressor is operated by the same drive belt as the remainder of the engine (serpentine belt). Because the AC compressor has seized, this could cause the belt to lock up other components resulting in major engine damage.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

The clutch on my ac air compressor went out. I want to replace the whole air compressor. What would it costs?
ANSWER : Hi there. The AC compressor has several moving parts (including pistons and valves). These internal parts can fail, causing the AC compressor to stop working. It is common for the internal parts of the compressor to come apart and disperse metallic debris throughout the system. Consequently, it is a requirement to replace the orifice tube and the receiver dryer when replacing the compressor since some of the debris may have ended up there. To receive an estimate for this service, please click this link and then click the Get a Quote button. Once we receive your information we will provide an estimate for services. Thanks.

What would cause the clutch on an ac compressor to continue to go bad after being replaced three times?
ANSWER : The compressor clutch relay on these vehicles are a known cause of sticking on the compressor clutch and overheating the A/C compressor clutch coil. Replace the A/C relay to see if it cures the clutch going bad the next time you do a compressor clutch replacement, or replace it now if you have just replaced the clutch.

2006. Chrysler 300c ac on and making a squeaking sound and the clutch is not engaging fully.
ANSWER : The A/C compressor clutch on this vehicle can be removed without taking the compressor out or disturbing the refrigerant charge. To determine whether it is necessary to replace the compressor, once you get the clutch out if the friction friction material surfaces are oily, inspect the shaft and nose area of the A/C compressor for refrigerant oil. If refrigerant oil is found, the compressor shaft seal is leaking and the A/C compressor must be rebuilt or replaced (they are rebuildable; you can just put a new shaft seal in). Check the clutch pulley bearing for roughness or excessive leakage of grease. Replace the pulley and bearing assembly, if required. You might check the clutch relay, just in case it is intermittent, thus causing your problem. If you desire that a certified mechanic resolve the issue that you are having with the clutch/compressor, please simply request an a/c clutch compressor diagnostic/replacement and the responding mechanic will get it diagnosed and repaired for you. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

What parts would I need to replace in the AC system of my 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
ANSWER : Hello. If there is just a leak in a hose then only the hose needs to be replaced then the system needs to be evacuated and recharged. If the compressor is bad then it needs to be replace along with the accumulator and the expansion valve. There really is no reason to replace the entire system unless there is a catastrophic compressor failure. You should find another air conditioning specialist to take it to in order to get a second opinion.

Can you just replace the clutch on the AC compressor or do you have to replace the whole thing?
ANSWER : Yes you can just replace the clutch pulley on the a/c compressor. The issue that you may have is the pulley bearing seized up and may have spun on the front of the compressor nose cone and will damage it. You may not be able to get the old pulley off and if you do the new one will not seat and hold on the front of compressor and will wobble throwing off belt. Have the pulley removed and then see the front of the compressor the shape it is in. You may need to replace compressor.

When replacing the AC Compressor, do I need to replace both expansion valves as well or just the front
ANSWER : Hi there. Anytime you replace major air conditioning system components like the AC compressor, it’s recommended to purchase all supporting hardware and replace it at the same time. AC works as a series of individual components working efficiently together to create cool air that flows into your cabin. As such, if you’re replacing the front expansion valve, it’s a good idea to replace the rear at the same time. This increases overall efficiency of the system, reduces the potential of small component failure and allows the parts you replaced to last longer.

Honda civic 2002 makes a lowd knocking noise when the compressor is activated. I replaced the compressor, added oil, vacuum tested
ANSWER : Hi there. Since you just replaced the compressor, it may be that the AC system is overcharged making the compressor hard to turn. It is also possible the new compressor itself is defective.The best advice we can offer here is to have one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location and complete an AC is not working inspection. This will allow them to inspect your vehicle and determine what exactly is causing this noise and then recommend a repair that should resolve the issue. Since there are multiple possible sources, providing you a good estimate for repairing this issue would be very difficult.

how much would it cost to replace a ac compressor cutch and all the things involved?
ANSWER : Hi there:

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.