AC Clutch Failure - How to fix! (blinking light, squealing)

Also, for any that have done this fix, how do you hold the new clutch in place so it doesn't spin while tightening that 8mm bolt?

 

went perfect! took me about 2 hours, mainly because the snap ring on the mag clutch was a pain! But I have AC again!

 

I used locking pliers/vice grips. since it's only tightened to 10# it doesn't take much.

 

so when you tighten down the new clutch to 10 ft/pds. you still have to hold the clutch with pliers to stop from spinning, yes 10 ft/pds is hardly anything, I wonder if its recommended to use loc-tite on the threads I seen some blue loc-tite in some pictures on the 8mm bolt someone posted.

 

you must have gotten the full assembly like this https://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/263007849192-0-1/s-l1000.jpg

 

I just got the front part, hopefully that fixes it.

Edit: I mean I just ordered the front part yesterday, the clutch hub. I should get it Saturday, so will probably replace it Sunday. Will report back the results. Going to borrow a clutch holder tool from autozone to make things easier.

 

sounds like you have the identical issue as the OPs, if it worked for him it should work for u, plus its a $50 DIY project with a very good if not perfect record of success, the other option is the Dealership or shop where they will hose u for $1500 for a complete replacement of compressor/clutch. the odds are in your favor for the $50 DIY

 

Yes, my magnet had failed, not the actual clutch but I replaced the clutch at the same time...sorry for the confusion!

 

You could definitely use some blue Loctite, but I didn't as the stock bolt had nothing on it. And yes, you must hold the clutch from spinning when tighten.

 

The front of my hub looks corroded as hell, I actually had problems getting my coil bolts out when doing a tuneup because the corrision on the bolts made them bigger than the socket. Anyone have the info on a new bolt? I'd like to just replace it instead of re-using the cruddy one if possible.

 

if the clutch holder tool you are referring to is this -

$25 Powerbuilt AC Clutch Holding Tool, Service Car Air Conditioner Clutch, Adjustable Pin, Non-Slip Grip Handle, Vehicle Repair - 648980

https://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-6...qid=1526477738&sr=8-3&keywords=ac+clutch+tool then you are wasting your time, I bought it and it did not fit the old or new clutch.

 

how do u know if the magnet goes bad?, maybe this is why the Stealerships replace the whole assembly not just the clutch, the OEM new full assemblys are $500-$600 new.

 

With the engine off, obviously, unplug the power wire from the plug at the compressor and run a jumper wire to the battery. When you touch the positive battery terminal with the wire the magnet should make the clutch snap together with the pulley.

 

ah haa thanx for that, good info

 

Oh, I saw a video of a guy changing his ac clutch on 2014 tacoma using one of those, but it may have been a different size.

 

when u get the new clutch take it to autozone with u to match up a wrench that fits it, should be the same size as the old clutch

 

Possibly. There is a specific tool that Toyota sells but it's like $60

 

Hah hell with that. I'll just use vice grips.

 

I had no trouble at all with the vice grips. Spray some liquid wrench or something on the bolt the night before/few hours before you try to tackle it if its rusty.

 

whats the easiest route to just do the clutch without removing fan/shroud etc.? some dude did it in from underneath and removing the skid plate.