A/C pulley problem

[bigc2330]

So last Sunday my A/C started blowing hot air while i was driving. So I pulled over and I had smoke coming from the A/c clutch/pulley area. The pulley now makes a grinding noise rather the a/c is off or on. I left the a/c off all week and checked the system out yesterday. I put the a/c on low and it does get cool again, the clutch cycles on and off. So is their a bearing inside the clutch/pulley? If so, should I go that route in buying a new clutch assembly or go with a whole new compressor?

 

[trombonedemon]

So last Sunday my A/C started blowing hot air while i was driving. So I pulled over and I had smoke coming from the A/c clutch/pulley area. The pulley now makes a grinding noise rather the a/c is off or on. I left the a/c off all week and checked the system out yesterday. I put the a/c on low and it does get cool again, the clutch cycles on and off. So is their a bearing inside the clutch/pulley? If so, should I go that route in buying a new clutch assembly or go with a whole new compressor?

Yep, there are bearings. The cheaper route would changing clutch but, I don't know if that would solve your bearing problem. Compressors are not that expensive comparing to the rest of your engine.
I say if you can swing the coins, go and get a new compressor so that you don't have worry about anything else that could go wrong w/the compressor and you have a warranty to have your back.
The only additional cost would be find someone to cycle and recycle the R-134a out of your A/C. The rest you could do your self.

 

[COramprat]

The clutch assembly is about 150 bucks. That will probably take care of your problem. Look for the link in the "Important Tech" thread at the top of this section for a write up on how to change it.

 

[bigc2330]

Thanks guys!