Excessive ac compressor noise is usually caused by a bad pulley bearing. When it fails, the compressor will seize, destroying the drive belt and possibly causing damage to other engine components, as well. Fortunately, if you can remove the compressor from the vehicle, replacing the pulley bearing can be completed in less than an hour.
Instructions
- 1
Fix the compressor in the bench vise with the pulley facing you, applying vise pressure only to the mounting ears. Using a socket and the ratchet, remove the bolts holding the armature dust cover in place. With the dust cover removed, apply the armature plate spanner by inserting its pins into the bolt holes. Hold the armature assembly steady, and remove the center retaining nut with a socket and the ratchet. Set the retaining nut aside.
2Remove the armature assembly with the pulley puller by threading three screws into the assembly and tightening the puller's center screw. If the armature assembly has no threaded holes, spray it with lubricant, insert two screwdrivers at opposite sides, and pry the assembly out. Set the armature assembly aside. Remove the shims and dust cover. Remove the snap ring with the snap ring pliers.
3Insert the pulley puller's jaws into the snap ring groove of the bearing assembly. Tighten the puller's center screw with a socket and the ratchet, and remove the pulley.
4Select a deep socket that is the same size as the inner race of the new pulley and bearing assembly. Slide the new pulley assembly onto the compressor shaft, and using the deep socket and hammer, gently tap against the inner race until the assembly is firmly seated against the face of the compressor. Reinstall the snap ring with the pliers. Install the remaining components in reverse order of removal. Tighten the bolts securely.
