AC Compressor clutch experience?

[briandors]

When my AC is off the compressor clutch is making a nasty metallic grinding/ringing noise. The clutch assembly is very slowly turning even with AC off. I see some metal shavings down there.

If I turn the AC on, all seems to work normally.

 

I think this means I need a new compressor clutch. AZ sells them for $110 which ain't bad. They have the right tool to pull the old one off but the installer tool he had didn't seem to fit any way we could figure out.

 

Anyone have any experience replacing these clutches? Any words of wisdom? I'd rather not do the whole compressor because that's more money and I'd have to evacuate and recharge the system, still more $$$.

It does look like, if I had the right installer tool, I could do this without even removing the compressor from the car, there's quite a bit of room in there.

 

1995 Cutlass Supreme 3.1

 

Thanks,

Brian

[THe_DeTAiL3R]

My a/c doesn't work, but my compressor was doing the same thing- very loud metallic grinding noise. Took it to mechanic and they adjusted the clutch for $40.