Ac clutch rebuild vs complete compressor relpacement

Today I replaced the clutch relay and still no dice. Light blinks warm air and a squeal. The squeal stops after a few seconds.

Someone told me its the clutch. Is it worth rebuilding the clutch for 100$ or replacing the compressor and clutch for 190$

 

Clutch is slipping because compressor is seizing probably due to high pressure [overcharge, low air flow through condenser, low oil in system or clogged expansion valve] you need to run pressure test if pressure is good then probably bad compressor. Clutch's rarely fail without cause.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong on this. Wo the ac running the pulley on the clutch just spins when you turn the ac on, the center of the pulley the clutch spins also. I get no spin in the clutch none that I see anyway

 

Possible the clutch coil is unplugged or burnt out also a chance you are low on refrigerant and the low pressure cut switch is turning the compressor off shortly after start up but this would not explain the squeal

 

With AC off, the outside of the clutch turns with the belt. The inside does not. When AC is on, the inside will turn along with the outside.

 

Yep inside no turning. So I've been reading and says I need to check all electrical / electronic connections as the blinking light means there is an electronic malfucktion. I'm wondering if changing the filter just allowed the truck to read that the pressure switch is bad.

 

With the truck running, have someone push the AC button while you watch the compressor clutch. Does the inside start turning then? Does it squeal then? Keep watching and have the helper tell you when the blinking starts.

I doubt the cab filter has anything to do with this problem.

 

That's the next step

 

Shut the engine down. Try turning the compressor by hand - off the front face of the clutch. It should have a bit of resistance, but should be smooth. If you can't turn it, or it feels rough, the compressor is the issue, not the clutch.

 

I'm gonna try that as soon as I can. Update. I tried turning the ac on again , this time at 60+ mph. No cold air, but no blinking light either. I'm wondering if I'm just low on freon,

 

Low refrigerant won't cause a squeal though - that would be belt or clutch slippage, the cause of which needs to be determined. Could be as simple as a worn belt, weak tensioner, or more serious like excessive high side pressure from an expansion valve failure, or the compressor is seized.

 

Funny you mentioned the squeal. That's stopped too

 

So is the center of the clutch turning with the AC on, or not? Only takes a few seconds to look...

 

Nope. Doesn't turn

 

You might be so low on freon that the low pressure switch is preventing the compressor from running. However, since you had a squeal, I suspect that the compressor was eating itself up and the metal fragments took out the shaft seal. You need professional help to diagnose, with a gauge manifold.

 

Hmm so to a mech it goes.

Anyone in the Richmond area know of a good mech who they trust? Who won't take me to the cleaners

 

Richmond is only about 30 miles from me... Richmond, KS that is.

Good luck.

 

I guess I should have specified Richmond Va.

 

Another quick question. How do I check ac pressure when the compressor isn't turning?