I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

The clutch on my AC compressor squeaks when it kicks on after I turn up the blower switch inside. It seems mostly at low idle and mostly goes away at higher rpm. I need the AC filled anyway so would it be better to just replace the entire compressor vs replacing the clutch. Is there any adjustment on it or are they usually FUBAR at that point. It looks like a new compressor is $220 and a clutch kit is $100

Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

Those pull a pretty good load. May just be a loose or bad belt, they need to be pretty tight.

Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

Just had same problem with my truck and tightening the belt fixed it.

Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

Employ a buddy for another hand, I found I needed one to square the compressor properly, and for a good assembly. Be sure ALL nuts and bolts that involve compressor movement are loose, if in doubt, loosen it. As I remember it, that excludes only the plate fastened to the compressor, the bracket fastened to the exhaust manifold, and the bracket fastened to the intake; for a BBC anyway. There are one or two other fasteners unrelated to compressor movement, such as for a retainer.

Place your bar below the center of the compressor for even distribution, stretch the belt to the right place, and have someone hold it still while you tighten all the nuts and bolts as a unit, in sequences even better. Everything has to be tight or you're back to square one.

Got rid of my racket, I was worried man☺ the compressor had already taken three trips across the country.

Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

I think the default state for those original type compressors is "usually FUBAR"

Back when I last had one, a good quality Gates belt was critical to prevent squealing.(Not sure if he Gates belts are still as good) I had tried new belts and kept tightening and tightening and the someone turned me onto the Gates belt and that resolved the problem, until the compressor was FUBAR again....and again....

Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

The belt needs to be VERY tight, the A6 will squeal relentlessly at low rpm. If you do replace it, get the aluminum upgraded version. It turns a LOT easier and your belt will not squeal. You can find it for less money from other vendors (I bought mine at autozone). Old Air sells them for top dollar.

Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

I will tighten up the belt and give it a try, then as right now I just have it at the press on it with a couple of fingers and it wiggles tight.

Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

Also look at the sides of the belt. If it is smooth and shiny replace it.

Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

The belts with what look like clogs on the inside carry more hp and work on smaller diameter pulleys than the smooth belts. If you replace the belt I would use this type of belt. They carry the same part number but have an X after the number.
Good Luck

Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

Like this? I would have never figured they were better and I though they were for different pulleys. I am lazy and hat to take all the belts off to change one lol

Re: I have a squeaking AC compressor clutch
 

Well, I tightened the belt, and that seems to have resolved the issue. I can now turn on the A/C fan and the clutch engages without any squealing or chirping. The belt previously had about a finger’s width of play, so I used a breaker bar and had my wife add some leverage while I tightened it up—team effort! I'm already using a Gates ribbed belt (I like to call them alligator belts), and it’s now nice and snug. We’ll see if the fix holds, but so far, so good. Thanks again for all the suggestions and help!