Need A/C help

Can anyone tell me how to remove the A/C compressor clutch from the compressor of my wife's 2000 Saturn Sl1? Is it just a matter of removing the hex head bolt in the center or is it a lot more complicated? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

the ones I've worked on require a special puller or two, and there are some snap rings and stuff in there too.

 

Yep what Squirrel said.

 

Are those the only equipments needed? What kind of special puller’s used? I want to help my neighbor on his Saturn AC Compressor Clutch replacement. He asked me for advice and I thought it was just as easy as removing the Saturn head bolt. He doesn’t have enough tools in his garage so what would be an alternative tool? Are there any precautions to check out? I hope somebody could give me some idea asap. Thanks in advance!

 

here is a how-to for a HAMB friendly compressor, I happen to have the tools to work on this one, since it was used on Chevys as far back as 1962.

http://bernardembden.com/xjs/comclutch/index.htm

My guess is that the saturn uses similar tools that are different sizes and you have to rent, borrow, or buy them. try a chain parts store like autozone? they used to loan out some special tools.

also you'll need all the normal hand tools. and don't be surprised if the compressor itself is bad, not just the clutch....because there's this guy called Murphy who made some laws.

 

It might just be easier to get a complete compressor and then swap them. Get a good one, not a four-seasons/everco/other cheap ones unless you want to repeat the job. Put new O-rings on any connections you take loose, they are cheap insurance against leaks. Just swap the compressor and if you have a vacuum pump, you can recharge without trouble. Or else you can take it to an A/C shop and get it recharged.

 

Thanks for the wonderful site, great guide.


Thanks also to 38Chevy454, I'd recommend that and let him decide on it.