I purchased a used ac compressor 3 years ago. The ac compressor clutch went out. Front plate is missing in action. How hard is it to rebuild? And/or should I just replace the whole compressor?

2000 disco 2

108 k miles

sometimes a daily driver 10 miles max a day

I am not a mechanic but thanks to you guys and YouTube I’ve replaced alternator, ac compressor, water pump, thermostat and fan clutch...

what would be best way ?

 

I would just replace the clutch which is not too hard to do. If you replace the compressor you will need to get the AC system drained and refilled which means shop time.

 

Just purchase a clutch kit? Also not sure what missing? Def be cheaper ....

thank you

 

eBay was cheapest 80 ish bucks...

this average price?

 

Watch this Video

 

FYI in case anyone needs to know parts from a D1 94-99 = will work on the D2 99-04 AC compressor. Identical unit with just 2 small differences, #1 plate AC Lines connect is different, but gasket can be purchased & you can swap plates over. #2 plug for AC Clutch is different (round plug vs newer molded style), but you can splice to whatever setup you need. So all the D1 guys can grab a D2 AC compressor or clutch from a D2 or vise versa.

 

Great info

 

Yep my 95 D1 clutch bit the dust last winter, and I was going to get a new compressor. Then I looked into the D1 vs D2, noted the body of the compressor is the same with those 2 differences. I removed my melted clutch plate to find it missing about 25% of it's surface area it broke off and was then ground down by the pulley spinning for all those years. I kept the center electrical part (tested it first), but I changed out the actual pulley with a used unit with a nearly new bearing, and installed the new front clutch plate. Engages smoothly now with absolutely zero issues. I was all set for a new compressor, but this step saved me the evac/charge step by not touching the R134a.

 

Actually its not the plug in, its where it the wire that attaches to the back of the pully. So a plug in would not help me. Ill have to take it off again (pain) and see if I can solder it back on. As you can tell I am not a proficient mechanic, I know just enough to make myself dangerous. Ive kept my used D2 running for 3+ years.