2008 4.0 AC Issue

Today I put the AC on in the truck and heard the loud belt squeal then the AC light inside started blinking. I'm reading that this means the clutch is not matching engine RPM's and is shutting the compressor down. I ordered a new belt as well as a new replacement relay hoping this fix is cheap.

Has anyone changed out just their clutch in one of these compressors? I have a feeling the compressor is gone but want to try the cheap fixes first before spending a lot of cash.

Any tips to try are welcomed!

 

It’s doubtful the relay will fix the problem.
That belt squeal along with a flashing ac light tells me the compressor or clutch is failing.

I’d wait around a bit and see if other on here can help you put more.
There are a few guys on here very knowledgeable on the AC system on these trucks.

And yes, there have been many people change the clutch. I think there is even a DIY somewhere on this forum.

 

See if you can turn the clutch hub by hand with the engine off, if it won't turn or is difficult to turn then the compressor is toast.

 

just get it done right the first time and put a new compressor in it. sounds like its locking up and causing the belt to wanna take a shit with it

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ac-clutch-failure-how-to-fix-blinking-light-squealing.448009/

 

Too bad we don't have an arrangement like the new Tundra with a separate small A/C belt. So, when the compressor clutch locks up you can still drive it.

 

You can. You just need to pull the A/C Clutch Relay and then you can do all the driving you want.

 

Yes, if the compressor is seized but not the clutch. Or you can just leave it turned off. But if the clutch itself is also seized at the same time... And I had one once where the clutch fell apart and the pulley walked off the shaft. I got that one home but barely, by stopping to bang it back on several times along the way. Not my Tacoma. Chevy with a POS reman compressor.

 

Guys, had it in to the dealer today for them to look at the issue. Mechanic told me that the CLUTCH is toast and not the compressor. Of course the dealer wants to replace the entire assembly but he told me I can do the clutch myself and it should be good to go. Dealer wants $1200 to do the entire assembly where I just bought a new clutch for $120 and will install it myself.

 

Fellas, just another quick question. Is it okay to reuse the lock washers and shims in the install of the new part? I can't seem to find a kit with new replacements.

 

Yes that's what I did and the gap came out in spec

 

Yes that is correct! Good catch.