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

it took me an hour to get the ring back on the magnet. 1-it's really hard to see and line it up in the limited area when the compressor is still on the truck...2-the ring tended to twist every time I tried to open in with the pliers to slide back into it's space, which made it pop back out...3-it's really tight around the ring, less than 1/2 inch so u cant use your fingers to assist in placing the ring. 100% the hardest part of the fix for me.

 

dam,i don't like the sound of that, 1 hour to get it back on sounds like suicide mission, thats another thing I learned working on Toyotas it looks a lot easier than it is, even when u plan your steps and have the proper tools something always doesn't go as planned most times.

 

Trying to work snap rings without pliers is like.... torture.

 

heres another kit that's REMAN'd full clutch assembly $70 https://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-Compressor-Clutch-For-2005-2016-Toyota-Tacoma-R67677-/382265943760?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

 

no snap ring pliers?when u did it

 

This is the one I bought. Here's a small thread from my install -- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fixed-my-ac-blinking-light-new-ac-clutch.547648/

 

Until you get it fixed, pull the magnetic clutch relay out from the engine bay fuse box. This will absolutely prevent the system from starting just incase you turn the ac on...by accident, lol.

 

I just picked up the exact thing from advanced auto parts. 25% off ftw. Figured even if i dont need them, couldnt hurt to have them in the toolbox for 4 bucks.

 

When

When the AC button is pushed, the outer clutch hub part spins fast and the middle part spins slower and stops once the ac light starts blinking. Hub must be in 2 pieces. I am guessing the clutch is indeed engaging, hence the huh spinning. Pulley never stops or slows. I guess either the hub wore out, bearing went bad in the clutch assembly, or compressor is fubar which made the hub pull apart.. in a few mins im going to then a wrench on the bolt to see what happens. I am guessing it should spin with some resistance? Like not freewheeling but not seized?

 

some dudes over at the Harbor freight tool thread says the ones I posted up are junk and very flimsy??I thought they might be good enough to get at 2 snap rings off?

 

Thank you again! Think its worth saving the 60 bucks for reman vs new? Guessing reman is probably a new hub and bearing?

 

Maybe crap for big rings, these look just like what that guy on youtube used. They seem small enough to get in there for this job

 

that certainly sounds like the clutch, if your lucky just replacing the clutch might be the ticket,if not and u need to get a new pulley and magnet too u know what your dealing with and can maybe DIY it, onceu get the clutch off u can see how the other parts look while in there.

 

jup I thought so too the same as the video, plus a 20% off coupon from Harbor Freight will help too

 

Chris24 said this was the kit he used!

 

I haven't changed the clutch on my truck. I have worked on many things that had snap rings. Regular pliers and screwdrivers don't cut it. Buy some good snap ring pliers.

 

No BS, this is the next project I have planned. Didnt really know where to start though. Awesome write up. Will prove invaluable to me at some point in the next few weeks. Good job OP!

 

Ok, just put a wrench to that 8mm bolt and it turned normally. No freewheeling and not seized. Only front of clutch hub spun, not the pulley. Surprisingly easy go access, wont have to jack the truck up. Pic of it

 

Yep, new clutch should be the ticket!!!