AC clutch install SUCCESS!

So I’ve been having intermittent AC problems and after narrowing it all down I got the idea my clutch was smoked. First thing I did was check relay, that was fine and replaced anyway. Still intermittent. Went to the AC shop and my levels were perfect. After researching on the forum I went ahead and purchased a AC clutch on Amazon for around $80 and decided to give it a whirl.

First step was to take the pulley off, was going to go easy but I rounded the head of the nut off pretty good. Welded a 9/16 nut on the head and along with the heat it came off easy. I recommend using this rubber adjustable oil filter wrench from Walmart to hold the clutch, $6 from Walmart.

Pretty straight forward after that, use retaining clip pliers and remove the first clip after the outer clutch part is removed, then there’s another after you take the pulley off holding the magnet.

Wiring is straight forward.
It is a breeze from there, work backwards. Magnet, retaining clip, wire up, pulley on, retaining clip, then outer piece. Remember to check tolerance of the gap after you have it on, it should be between .3mm and .6mm from everywhere I read. I ended up with .5mm. The part I got on Amazon had 3 spacing washers in which I used all three to get my tolerance. Ended up using my welded nut because I didn’t have another, it’ll do for now lol.


Got everything put together and it rips now! No intermittent on/off and it get colder quite faster (probably from it not slipping?). Anyway I know there was a guy on here I think @cardinalfan is his name, thought I’d do a simple write up on how I got mine installed.

Hope anyone looking finds it helpful!

Edit: Also noticed zero noise now from the clutch when it engages, as appears to a low grumble before.

 

Sweet! Thanks for sharing. Mind sharing that part number or link to it on Amazon?

 

Great job!
Good hear hear you got it done.
Stay cool!

 

3mirrors Clutch AC Complete Clutch Compatible with OE Compressor Toyota Tacoma 2005-2015 2.7L 4.0L; 2016 2.7L 3.5L Clutch Repair Kit

3mirrors New Clutch AC Complete Clutch Compatible with OE Compressor Toyota Tacoma 2005-2015 2.7L 4.0L; 2016 2.7L 3.5L Clutch Repair Kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J9XVYFM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8B49QTDEA3M7WS6TQEMA?_encoding=UTF8

let’s see if this link works.. not bad on price too!

 

That is me you're talking about - thank you! This'll be one of the first jobs I tackle in August when I move into my house and out of this freaking apartment. Great price on the clutch too!

 

Your compressor is supposed to cycle on and off - not run continuously.

 

I just replaced mine, only did the clutch face plate and bearing, magneto was fine.


AC all fixed

 

I understand that, I’m talking about the blinking light, it turning off on its own and me having to mess with it to stay on. Well problem is fixed now haha

 

I have the parts,
just need to get off my lazy keester and do it.
Thanks for the motivation.

 

Took me about 30 minutes since I had to weld that nut on the bolt, 20 otherwise! Lol

 

Wannabe4x what is the warranty on the Amazon AC clutch and how much would a factory AC clutch have cost? (just curious) Thanks!

 

stop making me feel like a lazy a$$.......

J/K, keep it up, its hot AF up here right now..... Thursday is a holiday, this will be my goal.

 

not too sure I’d have to read the listing again, maybe 1yr manufacturer warranty I’m assuming. I know the dealer couldn’t even look up just the clutch for me, maybe blowing smoke so I buy a whole dang compressor..

Just looked up, $175 from the dealer and warranty only is covered if they install it. Eff that! Hahaha

 

I got mine from a dealer gave me no grief, and I made sure that I could warranty it even if they didn’t install

 

Oh nice! Yeah I just read what their website said is all

 

@Wannabe4x thanks for the writeup! I usually dont use my AC, but when I needed to, I didnt have it. Relays are good, blower motor is good. I can see that the clutch is engaging, but no cold air. that its this!

Quick question, does the factory clutch kit have any spacing washers that I can reuse? I bought a clutch kit from ebay for $45, but I dont think it came with any washers. Anyways, going to do to this tomorrow!

 

Some come with washers some don’t but you should have 3 on your truck already that will give you the proper gap

 

Thanks! exactly what I was looking for

 

They are small so be careful when taking it apart to not lose them

 

the kit I got off Amazon listed above had 3 shim washers in the hardware bag, super small. Surprisingly I had to add all three since the oem one that was there didn’t get me the proper gap. Be sure you are within the tolerance. If yours doesn’t come with them, put it together and check your tolerance, but do not start your truck if it’s not within those parameters. I’m sure if you needed they probably sell at Napa. Hope this helps!