So today while driving to a favorite off-road spot i started to smell some burning plastic, rubber etc. I figured it was some other car. It wasn't until I was pulled over getting gas that I still smelled it and found molten plastic coming from behind the AC pulley. My buddy said it seems like the Clutch got stuck and burned out. Now I can only guess that after the clutch melted it fused the pulley to the ac compressor so the belt was rubbing on the pulley. I didn't want to ruin my belt so i towed my car home.

I'm wondering if i'm going to need to buy a new compressor or if i can just buy the AC Compressor clutch bearing and that will fix it. What are you thoughts?

New compressor from roverparts is 399.00. I have found some for new as low at 200. I was also thinking of taking it to get rebuilt. If its just the clutch can i swap that myself without having to disconnect the Freon lines?



So sad



Sitting on the side of the trail. Abandoned so we could still have some off-road fun in my buddy's car.





What i missed out on this time.

 

People have swapped the clutch parts. Boneyard near me sells AC compressors for $35, so you could get a used one just to get the clutch parts.

 

Thanks Savannah. Any write up on swapping this? I assume i pull the belt off and pull the pulley off the front to get access.

 

Don't recall a write up, but there was a member in the Miami area that posted about it. You could probably find all sorts of generic videos on line for that sort of thing. If compressor turns out to be siezed....

 

Looks super simple to swap the clutch and bearing etc. I may take a crack at it tomorrow.

 

I would replace the compressor with a used one $40 and 4 bolts, then pay someone $100 to pull a vacuum and charge the system

 

Anytime you DIY compressor replacement also replace the drier. Note that you should have the refrigerant recovered before removing compressor, as opposed to venting into the atmosphere.

 

You might call Paul Grant, his number is below in my signature section, he can sell you a good guaranteed used compressor. Also you will want to replace your resever/dryer when replacing the compressor. Make sure to tape your lines when open, pump down the system before recharging it and make sure you add new compressor oil then the freon.

 

I would just pull off the clutch if possible and don't break open the lines.
When the compressor is unbolted, it can move around a good deal as the hoses flex a bit.

NEW AC COMPRESSOR CLUTCH ROVER DISCOVERY | eBay


Looks like 10mm nut and a snap ring on the Denso compressor.
Bearing in the back of the pulley.


You need a punch / drift and a hammer.

you are all set!

 

But there is the possibility that the compressor took out the clutch also.